Echinacea Herb Extract

Echinacea Herb Extract

Multi-Specification, Multi-Marker Standardized Extract for Pharmaceutical, Supplement, Food & Cosmetic Applications.
Latin Name: Echinacea Purpurea L
Other names: Purple coneflower, Purple echinacea
Source: Aerial Part
Extraction Solvent: Ethanol/Water
Chicoric Acid: 1% 2% 3% 4%
Polyphenols: 2%, 3.5%, 4% 7%, 9%
Appearance: Brown yellow powder
Heavy Metals:≤ 10 ppm (batch-specific ICP-MS)
Solubility:Partially soluble in water; soluble in ethanol and hydroalcoholic systems
Shelf Life:24 months
Storage:Sealed, cool, dry, away from direct light; below 25°C
Packaging:25 kg / fiber drum (inner: double polyethylene bag)
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Description
Technical Parameters

Products Description

Echinacea Herb Extract is a botanical extract derived from the aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench, widely recognized in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries for its complex bioactive profile.

At Jiuyuan Biotech, Echinacea extract is not produced as a single fixed grade, but as a fully specification-flexible ingredient system, designed to support diverse formulation requirements across immune-support supplements, oral dosage forms, functional foods, and topical cosmetic products.

Our production approach focuses on multi-marker standardization, batch-to-batch consistency, and application-driven specifications, rather than single-parameter marketing claims.

In professional Echinacea extract manufacturing, reliance on a single marker such as chicoric acid alone does not reflect the true quality or functional consistency of the extract; balanced multi-marker control is essential for formulation stability.

 

Available Specifications & Customization Range

As a professional Echinacea extract manufacturer, we support a full spectrum of industry-accepted specifications, including but not limited to:

1. Active Marker Standardization (Customizable)

Marker Component

Typical Range

Chicoric Acid

1% – 4%

Total Polyphenols

2% – 9%

Alkylamides

0.5% – 2%

Polysaccharides

3% – 5%

Multi-marker profiles can be adjusted based on target application, regulatory framework, and formulation strategy.

Echinacea extract specifications should be designed according to the intended dosage form and regulatory pathway, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach across supplements, foods, and cosmetics.

2. Extraction Ratios

4:1;10:1;

Custom ratios upon request

3. Physical Forms

Fine powder (spray dried)

Particle size: 60–200 mesh (customizable)

4. Application-Oriented Grades

  • Dietary supplement grade
  • Pharmaceutical intermediate grade
  • Functional food ingredient grade
  • Cosmetic ingredient grade

 

Extraction & Processing Technology

Hydro-Ethanolic Reflux Extraction with Enzymatic Enhancement

Our Echinacea Herb Extract is produced using a controlled hydro-ethanolic reflux extraction process, optimized to preserve phenolic acids and alkylamide integrity.

A targeted enzymatic treatment step is applied during extraction to improve cell wall disruption and bioactive release, supporting:

  • Improved recovery of chicoric acid and polyphenols
  • Reduced co-extraction of non-functional impurities
  • Enhanced batch reproducibility

This process is designed for component balance and stability, rather than extreme concentration of a single marker.

Hydro-ethanolic extraction parameters must be adjusted specifically for Echinacea purpurea, as overly aggressive solvent systems can degrade phenolic acids and distort the native alkylamide profile.

 

Key Functional Components (Non-Medical Description)

  • Chicoric Acid: A caffeic acid derivative commonly used as a quality marker for Echinacea purpurea extracts
  • Polyphenols: Contribute to antioxidant-related formulation positioning
  • Alkylamides: Lipophilic constituents relevant for oral and topical formulations
  • Polysaccharides: High-molecular-weight fractions associated with structural and formulation functionality
  • No disease treatment or prevention claims are made.

 

Typical Certificate of Analysis (COA) Parameters

Item Specification
Identification TLC for ratio; HPLC for main active ingredients contents
Appearance Brown to brown-yellow powder
Drying Method Spray drying
Particle Size ≥ 80 mesh
Loss on Drying ≤ 5.0%
Acid-Insoluble Ash ≤ 5.0%
Total Heavy Metals ≤ 10 ppm
Lead (Pb) ≤ 1 ppm
Arsenic (As) ≤ 1 ppm
Cadmium (Cd) ≤ 1 ppm
Mercury (Hg) ≤ 1 ppm
Total Plate Count ≤ 3000 CFU/g
Yeast & Mold ≤ 100 CFU/g
E. coli Negative

Solubility:

  • Partially soluble in water
  • Freely soluble in ethanol and hydro-alcoholic systems

Stability:

  • Stable at ambient temperature
  • Recommended storage: sealed, dry, protected from light

Shelf life: 24 months under recommended conditions

Test standards may include CP, USP, or customer-specified methods.

Analytical method selection (TLC, HPLC, or UV) should be aligned with specification intent and regulatory acceptance, rather than being used solely as a marketing differentiation tool.

 

Quality Control System

Quality is controlled across the entire production lifecycle:

  • Raw Material Qualification
  • Botanical identity verification
  • Active marker pre-testing
  • In-Process Control
  • Extraction solvent ratio monitoring
  • Concentration and drying parameter control
  • Finished Product Testing
  • Active markers (HPLC / UV as applicable)
  • Heavy metals (ICP-MS)
  • Microbiological safety

Our facilities operate under ISO 9001, ISO 22000, HACCP, and GMP-aligned systems.

From a B2B formulation perspective, batch-to-batch consistency is often a higher risk factor than nominal active content, particularly for long-term commercial production.

 

Manufacturing Capability

A professional Echinacea extract manufacturer is defined not by offering a single high-number specification, but by the ability to reproducibly deliver multiple standardized profiles with controlled variability:

  • 6 production workshops
  • 10 extraction and processing lines
  • Annual capacity: over 6,000 metric tons
  • Automated extraction, concentration, and spray-drying systems
  • Particle size control from 8–350 mesh

jiuyuan biotech factory

 

Application Areas (Formulation-Oriented)

  • Dietary Supplements

Capsules, tablets, powders, oral liquids

Immune-support and wellness formulations

  • Pharmaceuticals

Botanical intermediates and compounded preparations

  • Functional Foods & Beverages

Solid drinks, nutrition powders, fortified foods

  • Cosmetics

Creams, serums, masks, and soothing formulations

Application suitability depends on regional regulatory frameworks.

 

Comparison: Echinacea Herb Extract vs. Root Extract vs. Whole Plant Powder

One of the most persistent sourcing confusions in the echinacea category is the difference between aerial-parts extract, root extract, and whole-plant powder. Each has a distinct phytochemical profile - and the wrong choice for your application can undermine your formula's efficacy claims.

Parameter

Herb Extract (Aerial Parts)

Root Extract

Whole Plant Powder

Primary marker

Cichoric acid

Echinacoside (E. angustifolia/pallida)

Mixed - variable

Alkylamide content

High

Moderate (E. purpurea root)

Low–moderate

Polysaccharide content

Moderate

Lower

Variable

HPLC standardization

Straightforward

Straightforward

Difficult - inconsistent matrix

Regulatory monograph

HMPC positive (E. purpurea aerial)

HMPC positive (E. pallida root)

No dedicated monograph

Batch consistency

High

High

Low

Scalability

Excellent

Good

Excellent

Typical cost

Moderate

Moderate–High

Low

Best for

Immune capsules, beverages, topicals

Root-specific formulations, EU traditional medicines

Budget blends, food fortification

The bottom line: If your product targets the mainstream North American or European supplement market with an immune-support positioning, aerial-parts extract standardized to cichoric acid is the most defensible, most auditable, and most clinically aligned choice.

 

Regulatory & Compliance Support

Full documentation package available:

  • COA
  • MSDS
  • Manufacturing flow chart
  • GMP / ISO certificates
  • Organic certification (where applicable)

Compliance support available for:

  • United States
  • European Union
  • China and other regulated markets

jiuyuan biotech certificates01

 

Custom Manufacturing Services

We provide specification-driven customization, including:

  • Active marker adjustment
  • Extraction ratio modification
  • Particle size control
  • Application-specific formulation guidance
  • Packaging format customization

For customers interested in other plant extracts or complementary botanical ingredients, visit our Standard Plant Extract Collection.

jiuyuan biotech services

 

Delivery Methods for Your References

by air

by sea

express

By Air

100kg-1000kg, 5-7Days

Airport-to-airport service professional

clearance broker needed

By Sea

Over 300kg, 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

 

Packages and Payments

Storage: Keep in a cool, dry, and clean place, protected from moisture and direct light.
Bulk Package: 25kg/drum.
Lead Time: 7 days after your order.
Shelf Life: 2 years.
Remark: Customized specifications can also be achieved.

jiuyuan biotech warehouse

 

Buyer Guide

Sourcing echinacea extract at commercial scale involves more variables than most buyers anticipate. Here's what experienced procurement teams verify before committing to a supplier.

The 5 Questions That Separate Qualified Suppliers from Traders

1. Is the COA HPLC-verified or colorimetric? Colorimetric assays measure total phenolics non-selectively. They routinely overstate cichoric acid content by 20–40% compared to HPLC. Always request the HPLC chromatogram alongside the COA.

2. What reference standard was used for HPLC calibration? The declared cichoric acid percentage is only meaningful if the HPLC method was calibrated against a certified reference standard (e.g., Sigma-Aldrich, PhytoLab, or USP-grade). Ask for the reference standard certificate.

3. Can you provide accelerated stability data? Cichoric acid degrades under heat, light, and humidity. A supplier who cannot provide 90-day accelerated stability data (37°C / 75% RH) cannot guarantee that your declared specification holds through your product's shelf life.

4. What is the actual plant part used? "Echinacea extract" without specifying aerial parts vs. root vs. whole plant is an incomplete specification. The phytochemical profile differs substantially - and so does the regulatory status in key markets.

5. Is the facility auditable? A cGMP certificate issued by an accredited body is the minimum. The ability to conduct an in-person or live video facility audit separates genuine manufacturers from trading companies reselling third-party material.

Pricing Reality Check

Echinacea herb extract pricing varies widely based on specification, verification method, and supplier type:

  • Commodity 10:1 (colorimetric): Low price point - but unverifiable potency
  • Cichoric Acid 2% HPLC-verified: Mid-range - suitable for general wellness
  • Cichoric Acid 4% HPLC-verified: Premium - appropriate for label-claim-driven products
  • Custom high-potency grades: Quote-based - requires advance planning for production scheduling
  • The cost of reformulating a failed product - or responding to a retailer audit finding - far exceeds the price difference between commodity and verified-grade extract.

 

FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida?

These are three distinct species with different phytochemical profiles. E. purpurea aerial parts are richest in cichoric acid and alkylamides - the most studied combination for immune modulation. E. angustifolia root is the traditional North American species, rich in echinacoside and alkylamides. E. pallida root contains echinacoside but minimal alkylamides. Most commercial supplement products use E. purpurea aerial parts because of the strongest clinical evidence base and most favorable regulatory status in both the US and EU.

Q2: How do I verify that the cichoric acid percentage on the COA is accurate?

Request the HPLC chromatogram and ask which reference standard was used for calibration. A legitimate HPLC result will show a clearly resolved cichoric acid peak with retention time matching the reference standard. If a supplier cannot provide the chromatogram or the reference standard certificate, treat the declared content as unverified.

Q3: Is echinacea extract safe for long-term use in supplement formulations?

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) HMPC monograph for Echinacea purpurea aerial parts supports use for up to 10 days for acute immune support, with a traditional use designation. Long-term continuous use is not supported by current clinical evidence, and most regulatory frameworks recommend intermittent use. Formulators should align label directions with the applicable regulatory monograph for their target market.

Q4: Can echinacea herb extract be used in beverage applications?

Yes, with formulation considerations. Cichoric acid is water-soluble and stable in acidic pH ranges (3.5–5.0), making it compatible with most functional beverage matrices. Alkylamides are lipophilic and require emulsification or encapsulation for stable aqueous suspension. For clear beverage applications, a cichoric acid-standardized grade with low alkylamide content minimizes turbidity issues.

Q5: What is the minimum order quantity, and do you offer samples?

Our standard MOQ for bulk orders is 25 kg. Samples (1 kg) are available for qualified buyers upon request. Sample COA, TDS, and MSDS documentation ship with every sample package.

Q6: Do you offer organic-certified echinacea herb extract?

Yes. USDA Organic and EU Organic certified grades are available for select specifications. Organic certification documentation is provided with the shipment. Please specify organic requirement at the time of inquiry, as organic grades require advance production scheduling.

Q7: How should echinacea herb extract be stored to maintain potency?

Store in a sealed container below 25°C, away from direct light and moisture. Opened drums should be resealed with a moisture-barrier inner bag. Under these conditions, our extract maintains ≥95% of declared cichoric acid content through the 24-month shelf life based on accelerated stability data.

Q8: Can you support custom specifications for OEM or private-label products?

Yes. We support custom specifications including non-standard marker compound percentages, particle size ranges, solubility profiles (water-soluble vs. oil-dispersible), and blended formulations. Custom grades require a minimum order and 2–3 weeks production lead time. Contact our technical team to discuss your specification requirements.

 

Get Started with Jiuyuan Biotech

Whether you're qualifying a new echinacea herb extract supplier, scaling an existing formula, or developing a new immune-support product line - our technical team is ready to support you from specification to shipment.

What you can request today:

✅ Product sample (1 kg) with full COA package

✅ Batch-specific HPLC chromatogram

✅ Accelerated stability data

✅ Facility audit documentation

✅ Custom specification discussion

📧 Email: info@jiuybiotech.com 📞 Phone: +86 029 88215052 🌐 Website: jiuyuanbio.com

Jiuyuan Biotech - Rooted in Nature. Built for Quality. Serving 30+ countries since 2012.

 

 

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