Codonopsis pilosula Extract (Dangshen Extract) – Standardized Root Powder
Codonopsis extract, also known as Dangshen extract, is a concentrated powder derived from the dried roots of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., a member of the Campanulaceae family. Commonly referred to as the "poor-man's ginseng," this extract is standardized to 5:1, 10:1, or 20:1 concentrations and provides ≥30% crude polysaccharides along with characteristic saponins such as Lancemaside A and Tangshenoside I–III.
The powder is 100% water-soluble, vegan, gluten-free, and available with EU & USDA Organic certification, making it suitable for:
- Adaptogenic capsules and tablets
- Functional beverages
- Clinical nutrition formulas
- Cosmeceutical applications
Quick Overview: Supports energy, immune balance, and mucosal health in a standardized, easy-to-formulate extract.

Active Components & Mechanisms
| Component (typical) | Content (HPLC/UV) | Mode of Action | Evidence Snapshot (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crude Polysaccharides | 30–50 % | May activate PI3K-Akt & MAPK signaling → supports intestinal stem-cell proliferation and mucosal repair | Randomized, double-blind trial (n=120) showed 28% reduction in subjective fatigue after 4 weeks at 1 g/day |
| Lancemaside A | 0.6–1.1 % | Gut-microbiome conversion to echinocystic acid → may inhibit NF-κB & NLRP3 → supports anti-inflammatory response | In vivo: 50 mg/kg ↑ hippocampal SOD, ↓ MDA, improved cognitive scores |
| Tangshenoside I–III | 0.3–0.7 % | May modulate JAK/STAT and VEGFA pathways → supports micro-circulation and immune homeostasis | Network-pharmacology study identified AKT1, IL-6, TNF-α as top hubs |
| Codonoside & β-carboline alkaloids | <0.1 % | Mild monoamine oxidase inhibition → may provide gentle mood support | Anxiolytic activity demonstrated in zebrafish light-dark test |
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This ingredient is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Specifications & Quality Control
| Item | Specification | Method | Remark |
| Extract ratio | 5:1, 10:1, 20:1 | Weight balance | Custom 30:1–50:1 available |
| Polysaccharides | ≥30 % (UV) | Phenol-sulfuric acid | COA per batch |
| Lancemaside A | ≥0.5 % (HPLC) | In-house JY-2025-04 | Peak area vs. reference standard |
| Appearance | Brown-yellow, 80–120 mesh | Visual & sieve | Free-flowing, hygroscopic |
| Solubility | 100 % water-soluble | 1 g/10 mL 25 °C | Clear, no precipitate |
| Heavy metals | Pb ≤0.5 ppm, Cd ≤0.3 ppm, As ≤0.2 ppm | ICP-MS | Conforms to USP<232> |
| Microbial | TAMC ≤1,000 CFU/g, TYMC ≤100 CFU/g, Salmonella absent /10 g, E. coli absent /10 g | CP2020 & USP<2021> | Gamma-irradiation not used |
| Pesticides | 228 multi-residue ≤0.01 ppm | LC-MS/MS | Meet EC 396/2005 |
| Shelf life | 24 months | Stability study 40 °C / 75 % RH | Packed in 1 kg foil + 25 kg drum |
| Certificates | USDA ORGANIC, EU 834/2007, cGMP, ISO 22000, ISO9001, HACCP, FSSC22000, KOSHER, HALAL | ||
Extraction & Processing Methods
Raw Herb Selection
Roots harvested at ≥1,800 m altitude in Min County, Gansu
Quick-dried within 24 h to ≤12% moisture to minimize mold and endotoxin
Low-Temperature Reflux Extraction
Stage 1: 60% ethanol, 55 °C, 2 h → de-fatting & saponin enrichment
Stage 2: Purified water, 90 °C, 3 h → polysaccharide release
Yield: 18–22% soluble solids
Vacuum Concentration & Spray-Drying
Concentrated to 35 °Brix under −0.08 MPa
Spray-dried (inlet 160 °C, outlet 75 °C) with 3% maltodextrin → free-flowing powder, moisture ≤5%
Solvent-Free & Vegan
No excipients except maltodextrin
Non-GMO, non-irradiated, gluten-free, <0.1 ppm solvent residue.

Applications
Codonopsis Extract fits cleanly into multiple product categories - which is part of what makes it a commercially versatile ingredient for formulators.
|
Application Category |
Typical Format |
Recommended Dosage Range |
Key Selling Point |
|
Immune Support Supplements |
Capsule, tablet, softgel |
300–600 mg/day |
Polysaccharide-driven immune modulation |
|
Adaptogen / Stress Blends |
Capsule, tincture, powder blend |
400–800 mg/day |
Pairs well with Astragalus, Reishi, Ashwagandha |
|
Gut Health Formulas |
Capsule, functional beverage |
250–500 mg/day |
Lobetyolin gastroprotective activity |
|
TCM-Inspired Nutraceuticals |
Capsule, granule, tea blend |
500–1000 mg/day |
Authentic Dang Shen provenance |
|
Functional Foods & Beverages |
Powder, ready-to-mix |
200–400 mg/serving |
Mild flavor profile, water-soluble |
|
Sports Nutrition / Energy |
Capsule, stick pack |
300–600 mg/day |
Fatigue reduction, qi-tonifying tradition |
|
Senior Wellness Products |
Capsule, soft chew |
300–500 mg/day |
Cardiovascular & cognitive support research |
Formulator's Note: Codonopsis Extract pairs particularly well with Astragalus membranaceus extract in immune formulas - a combination with deep roots in classical TCM and growing clinical interest in the West. Both are available from Jiuyuan Biotech with matched lot documentation for co-ingredient traceability.
Comparison: Codonopsis Extract vs. Competing Adaptogen Ingredients
One of the most common questions from formulators: how does Codonopsis stack up against Astragalus or Panax Ginseng in a formula context? Here's an honest, side-by-side view:
|
Parameter |
Codonopsis Extract |
Astragalus Extract |
Panax Ginseng Extract |
|
Primary Actives |
Polysaccharides, Lobetyolin |
Astragalosides, Polysaccharides |
Ginsenosides (Rb1, Rg1) |
|
Immune Modulation |
✅ Strong |
✅ Strong |
✅ Moderate–Strong |
|
Adaptogenic Activity |
✅ Moderate |
✅ Moderate |
✅ Strong |
|
Gastroprotective |
✅ Yes (Lobetyolin) |
❌ Limited |
❌ Limited |
|
Stimulant Effect |
Low (well-tolerated) |
Very Low |
Moderate–High |
|
Cost Index (relative) |
● Low–Medium |
● Low–Medium |
●●● High |
|
Market Familiarity (West) |
Growing |
Established |
Very High |
|
TCM Tradition |
Deep (Qi tonic) |
Deep (Wei Qi) |
Deep (Yuan Qi) |
|
Typical Label Claim |
Immune, Energy, Gut |
Immune, Longevity |
Energy, Cognitive |
Takeaway for formulators: Codonopsis is the pragmatic choice when you need the immune + adaptogenic profile of ginseng without the stimulant liability or cost burden - and when gastroprotective positioning adds formula differentiation.
Why Choose Shaanxi Jiuyuan Biotechnology?
- 70,000㎡ production area with 10 production lines, annual capacity >6,000 tons
- 12-person R&D team, 500㎡ advanced laboratory
- State-of-the-art equipment: Plate-frame & disc centrifuge, dry granulation, ultrafine milling
- Strict QC from raw material to final extract
- Multiple certifications: cGMP, ISO, HACCP, FSSC22000, Halal, Kosher, USDA/EU Organic
- Trusted global B2B supplier for standardized, high-quality botanical extracts
Regulatory Note: Please comply with local regulatory requirements for dietary supplements, functional foods, and nutraceuticals.

Quality Control
We operate an in-house analytical laboratory equipped for the full testing panel required by US, EU, and global supplement markets. This is not outsourced - it is on-site, batch-specific, and documented.
Analytical Methods Employed:
- HPLC - Lobetyolin assay, pesticide residue screening
- UV-Vis Spectrophotometry - Polysaccharide quantification
- TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography) - Identity confirmation per Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 monograph
- ICP-MS - Heavy metal quantification (Pb, As, Hg, Cd)
- GC-MS - Residual solvent analysis
- Microbiological Testing - Total plate count, yeast/mold, E. coli, Salmonella
Reference Standards: All assay methods are referenced against Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP 2020), United States Pharmacopeia (USP), and European Pharmacopoeia (EP) where applicable.
Batch Traceability: Every production batch carries a unique lot number traceable from the raw material intake record through to the final COA. Clients receive full documentation packages including raw material certificates, in-process records, and finished product COA.

Certificates & Documents
Jiuyuan Biotech holds 12 internationally recognized certifications relevant to supplement ingredient supply:
|
Certificate |
Issuing Body |
Scope |
|
ISO 9001:2015 |
Third-party accredited body |
Quality Management System |
|
FSSC 22000 |
FSSC Foundation |
Food Safety Management |
|
ISO 22000 |
Third-party accredited body |
Food Safety Management System |
|
Kosher |
Recognized Kosher agency |
Dietary compliance |
|
Halal |
Recognized Halal certification body |
Dietary compliance |
|
HACCP |
Third-party audited |
Hazard analysis & critical control |
|
Organic Certification |
NOP / EU Organic (select products) |
Organic supply chain |
Documents Available Upon Request:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) - batch-specific
- Certificate of Origin (COO)
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS / SDS)
- Allergen Declaration
- GMO Statement
- BSE/TSE Statement
- Pesticide Residue Test Report
- Heavy Metal Test Report
- Stability Data
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between Dang Shen and Ginseng?
A: Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula) is milder than ginseng, often used to support energy and immunity without overstimulation.
Q: How much polysaccharide is in 10:1 Codonopsis extract?
A: Typically ranges from 5% to 10%, depending on batch and extraction method.
Q: Can Codonopsis extract be used in beverages?
A: Yes, it dissolves well in water and can be added to teas, drinks, and functional beverages.
Q: What is the recommended dosage for health supplements?
A: Commonly 1–3 g per day for adults; follow regulatory guidelines and product-specific labeling.
Q: How is the extract standardized?
A: Via polysaccharide content testing and HPLC verification to ensure consistent bioactivity.
Q: Are there clinical studies supporting its immune benefits?
A: Yes, multiple studies demonstrate its immunomodulatory effects (see references above).
Q: What is the shelf life and storage condition?
A: 24 months if stored in a cool, dry, dark environment.
Q: Is Codonopsis Extract safe for long-term use?
A: Generally considered safe when used as a dietary supplement; consult healthcare professionals for specific health conditions.
Packaging and transportation advantages

ByAir
100kg-1000kg, 5-7Days
Airport to airport service professional
clearance broker needed

BySea
Over300kg, Around 30 Days
Port to port service professional
clearance broker needed

Express
Under 100kg, 3-5Days
Door-to-door service easy to pick up the goods
We offer a variety of packaging options, including aluminum foil bags, paper boxes, plastic barrels, etc., to meet the needs of different customers. According to your specific requirements, we can customize the packaging specifications and designs to ensure that the products are not damaged during transportation.
We have established long-term cooperative relationships with many well-known logistics and express companies to ensure the efficiency and safety of the transportation process. Our logistics partners are all equipped with professional transportation equipment and experience, and can provide reliable transportation services.

Request a Sample or Commercial Quote
Jiuyuan Biotech supplies Codonopsis Extract to food manufacturers, supplement brands, and contract formulators across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Our technical team - not a generic sales inbox - handles every inquiry.
Email: info@jiuyuanbio.com
Website: www.jiuyuanbio.com
Request: Sample| Bulk Quote | CoA & Spec Sheet | Custom Carrier Ratio
Standard response time: within 1 business day. Please include your target application and annual volume estimate for the most relevant technical recommendation.
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