Echinacea Extract is obtained from Echinacea purpurea, a member of the Asteraceae family native to North America and one of the most widely used botanicals in immune-support positioning. Its marker is cichoric acid, a caffeic acid derivative that also acts as an indicator of how well the extract was made: it degrades easily during extraction, so its content is a direct measure of process quality.
Metabolites
Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench
Part usedAerial parts and root
Caffeic acid derivatives, with cichoric acid as the marker.
Metabolites we quantify
- Cichoric acid2 %–4 %HPLC
- Total polyphenols4 %UV
Reference doses
Figures published by reference bodies for the preparation named in each row.
| Marker or preparation | Daily dose | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Expressed juice of the aerial parts | 6–9 mL/day, for no longer than one week | EMA · EU herbal monograph, Echinacea purpurea herba recens |
These are not a NATEXSA dosage recommendation nor a therapeutic indication: they are cited literature, and the preparation the source refers to does not always match the grade we supply. The regulation of the market where you register the product governs.
Applications
Nutrition & Health
Immune-support supplements in capsules, tablets, syrups and effervescent formats, on their own or combined with vitamin C and zinc.
Food & Beverage
Functional beverages and infusions in the seasonal wellness segment.
Personal Care
Cosmetic formulations for sensitive skin and antioxidant positioning.
Why cichoric acid is the marker that matters
Cichoric acid is unstable: enzymes present in the plant itself degrade it if the material is not stabilised quickly, and it also suffers under prolonged heat during extraction. An echinacea extract with a low cichoric value has usually lost part of its profile along the way.
When comparing suppliers, ask for the cichoric acid figure by HPLC, not only total polyphenols. It is the number that separates a well-processed extract from one that is merely well-labelled.
Powder or granules
The powder is the versatile option and works in capsules, sachets and liquids. The granulated form has better flow and compressibility, which reduces problems on high-speed tableting lines.
If your process is direct compression, the granulated form usually saves an internal granulation step.
Packaging
Aluminium bag
1 – 5 kg
Fibre drum with double inner liner
25 kg
- Shelf life
- Shelf life of 24 months sealed, away from light and moisture.
Specification updated:
