Plant
Extracts Bulk EUStandardised Botanicals · From 1 kg · No Contract

Plant extracts are concentrated preparations derived from botanical raw material using extraction solvents (water, ethanol, CO₂, or combinations). Standardisation refers to adjusting the extract's concentration of one or more marker compounds (bioactives) to a defined specification — expressed as a percentage of that compound in the final powder. For example, 'Ashwagandha Extract 5% Withanolides' means the powder contains 5g withanolides per 100g extract, regardless of natural batch-to-batch variation. Standardisation serves two purposes: (1) consistency for manufacturers who need defined active content per capsule; (2) a quality benchmark for B2B procurement. HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) is the gold standard method for marker quantification; UV spectrophotometry is faster but less specific. Always request HPLC certificates for critical bioactives.

A concentration ratio (e.g., 10:1) means 10 kg of raw plant material was used to produce 1 kg of extract — it describes the concentration process but says nothing about specific bioactive content. Two 10:1 extracts from different manufacturers can have completely different chemical profiles. A standardised extract (e.g., '20% bacosides') specifies the actual content of identified bioactives measured by validated analytical methods. For B2B procurement, standardised extracts are strongly preferred because: (1) they guarantee consistent active content per dose; (2) they allow meaningful comparison between suppliers; (3) they simplify product development formulation calculations. Concentration ratios are only meaningful when combined with a standardisation specification or a validated analytical fingerprint.

Novel Food (Regulation (EU) 2015/2283) applies to ingredients not consumed to a significant degree in the EU before 15 May 1997. Key extracts with Novel Food considerations include: Maca (Lepidium meyenii) — authorised as food supplement; Berberine HCl from Berberis spp. — regulatory status varies by member state; Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) — verify current authorisation status; Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) — check latest EU Novel Food list. What it means for buyers: (1) check the EU Novel Food Catalogue (ec.europa.eu) before purchasing for use in food or supplements; (2) marketing without authorisation is illegal and can result in product seizure; (3) Traditional Herbal Medicinal Product (THMP) status under Directive 2004/24/EC is an alternative regulatory pathway for some botanicals. FDCM provides regulatory guidance documentation with orders — contact us before purchasing Novel Food-status ingredients.

EU Regulation 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims created a strict framework for food supplements. For botanical ingredients: most health claims are on the EFSA 'on-hold list' — they were submitted but EFSA assessment has been suspended, awaiting a European Commission policy decision on traditional use criteria. Practically, this means that while claims like 'ashwagandha supports stress resilience' cannot be made as authorised health claims, many manufacturers use traditional herbal medicinal product (THMP) language under Directive 2004/24/EC instead. Approved health claims for any botanical are very rare — only a handful have passed EFSA's scientific substantiation criteria. What is permitted: product descriptions of the ingredient; references to traditional use in the THMP context; general claims (e.g., 'vitamin C contributes to normal immune function') for ingredients that contain nutrients with approved claims. Always verify claim legality in your specific target market with a regulatory consultant.

Extraction solvent is the single most important variable determining which compounds end up in the final extract. Water extracts: best for water-soluble polysaccharides, glycosides, and minerals. Ideal for: lion's mane beta-glucans, elderberry anthocyanins, hawthorn procyanidins. Ethanol extracts (typically 60–95% ethanol): captures lipophilic compounds including alkaloids, terpenes, and aglycone forms. Ideal for: curcuminoids (needs fat or ethanol), bacosides, ginkgolides. CO₂ (supercritical) extraction: captures volatile oils and lipophilic compounds without solvent residue. Used for: turmeric oleoresins, hops, rosemary. Dual extraction: uses both water and ethanol in sequence — captures the full spectrum. Required for: reishi (ganoderic acids need ethanol; polysaccharides need water), lion's mane. When evaluating supplier specifications, always ask: What solvent was used? What is the residual solvent level? Does the CoA comply with Reg (EC) 2023/915 or ICH Q3C for residual solvents?

Minimum order quantity: 1 kg for most plant extracts. Some high-value or limited-supply extracts (e.g., premium saffron standardised, specific branded extracts) may have 5 kg minimums. No contract or volume commitment required for initial orders. Packaging: standard 1 kg foil bags (heat-sealed, nitrogen-flushed for oxidation-sensitive extracts) up to 25 kg drums. EU warehouse in Warsaw — DSV Road logistics, delivery 3–7 business days across EU-27. For volumes above 25 kg, pallet pricing available. Contact contact@fdcm.eu for current pricing and availability — we respond to all B2B inquiries within 4 business hours.

General storage conditions for plant extracts: temperature 15–22°C; relative humidity ≤50% (critical — most extracts are hygroscopic); away from light (UV degrades polyphenols, carotenoids); away from strong odours; in original sealed packaging. Specific sensitivities: Curcumin — light-sensitive, store in UV-opaque packaging; temperature stable. Anthocyanins (elderberry, grape) — pH and light sensitive; keep alkaline exposure minimal. Ashwagandha — hygroscopic; reseal immediately after use. Silymarin — stable; less sensitive than most. After opening: reseal with nitrogen flush if possible; use within 3 months; monitor colour and aroma for quality indicators. Shelf life: typically 24 months from production in original sealed packaging. FDCM provides production date on CoA — calculate shelf life from that date, not import date.

Yes — combination formulas are common and can be highly effective. Well-documented synergistic pairs: Turmeric + Black Pepper Extract (Piperine 95%): piperine inhibits glucuronidation in gut wall and liver, increasing curcumin absorption by 2000%. This is the most clinically validated phytonutrient synergy. Milk Thistle + Artichoke: complementary liver support — silymarin for hepatocyte protection, cynarin for bile flow and cholesterol. Ashwagandha + Rhodiola: complementary adaptogenic mechanisms — Rhodiola for acute stress response (rapid onset), Ashwagandha for HPA axis normalisation (chronic stress, sleep). Ginkgo + Bacopa: cognitive synergy — Ginkgo for cerebral circulation, Bacopa for neurochemical modulation. Echinacea + Elderberry: immune stack — Echinacea activates innate immunity; Elderberry provides direct antiviral activity. Important: also be aware of interactions. Green tea EGCG + iron: EGCG chelates iron — do not combine in formulas targeting iron absorption. Most adaptogens are photosensitisers at high doses — label accordingly.

The analytical quality of a plant extract CoA depends critically on the method used. HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography): gold standard for individual compound quantification. Detects and quantifies specific markers (e.g., withanolides, bacosides, ginsenosides). More expensive but specific. UV/Vis Spectrophotometry: faster and cheaper; measures total chromophore absorption. Suitable for: total polyphenols (Folin-Ciocalteu), total OPC, total anthocyanins. Less specific — different compounds can absorb at same wavelength. LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry): highest specificity; identifies individual molecular species; used for adulterant detection. HPTLC (High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography): fingerprinting technique; provides visual identity confirmation. Folin-Ciocalteu: total polyphenols only. For B2B procurement: minimum requirement is HPLC for marker compounds. Request full CoA including: identity test (HPTLC or LC-MS fingerprint), assay by HPLC, heavy metals (ICP-MS: Pb, Cd, As, Hg), microbiological parameters, pesticide residues (MRL per Reg 396/2005), solvent residuals.

Three fundamentally different delivery forms: Whole herb powder: ground plant material at natural concentrations. E.g., ashwagandha root powder (~0.5% withanolides naturally). High dose needed; full complexity of compounds. Extract powder: concentrated and often standardised. E.g., ashwagandha extract 5% withanolides — 10× more potent per gram. Easier to formulate precise doses in capsules. Phytosome (phytolipid complex): proprietary technology (primarily Indena SpA patents) binding polar plant compounds to phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine). Dramatically improves bioavailability of lipophilic compounds. Examples: Meriva® (curcumin-phospholipid complex, 29× better bioavailability vs standard curcumin), Siliphos® (silybin-phospholipid), Greenselect Phytosome® (green tea). FDCM supplies extracts — phytosomes are branded ingredients requiring licensing agreements with Indena or equivalent. For formulations where bioavailability is critical (curcumin, silymarin), phytosome or nano-emulsion forms outperform standard extracts significantly.

This depends heavily on the specific extract and its regulatory classification. Safe in food (quantum satis or with limits): Turmeric as food colour E100 (ADI 3 mg/kg bw). Elderberry as natural colour (E163). Green tea extract as food ingredient (under 800 mg EGCG/day — EFSA safety note). Rosehip as food ingredient. Cocoa extract as food ingredient. Permitted only as supplement (not as food colour, higher doses): Ashwagandha, Bacopa, Rhodiola, Boswellia, Milk Thistle. Not permitted in EU food/supplements without Novel Food authorisation: Berberine HCl (most jurisdictions), some mushroom extracts. Critical distinction: food supplements are regulated as food but with dose-specific labelling. General food products have different maximum levels. Always check: Reg (EC) 1333/2008 (colours), Reg (EC) 178/2002 (general food law), Novel Food catalogue, and country-specific positive/negative lists (France, Denmark, Germany have stricter national lists for botanicals).

Plant extracts do not have their own specific EU Regulation for heavy metals (unlike cocoa — Reg 2023/915). However, the general food safety framework (Reg EC 178/2002) requires that all food ingredients are safe. Practically, EU market standards for plant extracts follow: Lead (Pb): ≤3 mg/kg (general food) or ≤1 mg/kg (herb-specific, some member state guidance); Cadmium (Cd): ≤0.50 mg/kg for herbs (Commission Reg 2021/1317); Arsenic (As): ≤0.30 mg/kg (food); Mercury (Hg): ≤0.10 mg/kg. For B2B procurement: always request ICP-MS heavy metal analysis on CoA. Particular risk with: mineral-rich roots from contaminated soils (especially Asian origins); marine-sourced extracts (arsenic); dark extracts (cadmium accumulation in some plants). FDCM tests all plant extracts for heavy metals — certificates available on request.

Multiple grades of the same extract (e.g., ashwagandha at 1.5%, 2.5%, 5%, or 10% withanolides) serve different formulations. Decision framework: 1) Determine your target dose per capsule/serving and target cost per dose. 2) Calculate the required extract weight per capsule (e.g., target 50 mg withanolides/capsule with 5% grade = 1000 mg extract; with 10% grade = 500 mg extract). 3) Compare total cost per capsule-batch: higher-grade extracts are priced higher per kg but require less material per dose. 4) Check capsule/tablet fill weight limits (standard 00 capsule = 600–800 mg maximum fill). 5) Consider taste: higher concentration extracts are often more bitter — masking difficulty increases with potency. 6) Verify analytical method consistency across grades: compare only HPLC-to-HPLC, not HPLC vs UV. 7) Consider natural synergy: some evidence suggests full-spectrum lower-grade extracts have different (sometimes better) activity than isolated high-potency grades, due to the entourage effect of minor compounds.

For EU supplement manufacturing, minimum documentation required per batch: Certificate of Analysis (CoA): assay (% bioactives by HPLC or UV), identity test (HPTLC/LC-MS fingerprint), heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Hg by ICP-MS), microbiological (TPC, Salmonella, E.coli, yeast/mould), moisture, particle size, residual solvents (if applicable). Declaration of Conformity: supplier statement that material complies with applicable food law. Allergen Declaration: statement on 14 major allergens (Reg 1169/2011). Pesticide Residue Testing: MRL compliance per Reg 396/2005 (EC directive). GMO Declaration: statement on GMO status. Organics Certificate: if claiming organic (Reg (EU) 2018/848 — EU certified organic logo). Country of Origin: for traceability (Reg (EU) 2017/745 adjacent principles). FDCM provides all standard documentation with each order. Additional documentation (organic, kosher/halal, non-GMO project) available on request. Contact contact@fdcm.eu to request a documentation checklist.

For sports applications, the evidence hierarchy places these extracts highest: (1) Ashwagandha (KSM-66 equivalent): multiple RCTs showing VO2max improvement, strength gains, testosterone support, and cortisol reduction. 300–600 mg/day. (2) Rhodiola Rosea (3% rosavins + 1% salidroside): anti-fatigue, cognitive performance under stress, endurance in multiple clinical trials. 200–600 mg/day. (3) Turmeric/Curcumin: post-exercise anti-inflammatory (DOMS reduction), with piperine. 500–1000 mg curcuminoids + 20 mg piperine. (4) Boswellia Serrata: joint health for high-impact sports. (5) Grape Seed Extract OPC: antioxidant support for oxidative stress from training. Formulation note: adaptogens need 4–6 weeks to show full effect — inform customers accordingly. For acute performance (pre-workout), adaptogens are less relevant than caffeine, beta-alanine, or citrulline. Adaptogens excel in recovery, hormonal balance, and chronic stress resilience.

Pesticide residue testing in plant extracts follows Regulation (EC) 396/2005 which sets Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for pesticides in food. Key considerations for extracts: MRLs are set for raw plant material — when extracts concentrate the material (e.g., 10:1 ratio), pesticide residues concentrate proportionally. Some member states apply a 'concentration factor' to MRL calculations for extracts; others apply raw material MRLs directly to extract. Standard testing panel: 400–600 compound multi-residue screen (GC-MS/MS + LC-MS/MS). Common issues: organophosphates (chlorpyrifos), chlorinated pesticides (DDT residues in older soils), systemic fungicides (azoxystrobin, carbendazim). High-risk origins for pesticide contamination: conventional Chinese herbs (atrazine, pendimethalin, chlorothalonil); some Indian origins. Mitigation: request organic certification (EU Reg 2018/848) or at minimum, request pesticide-free declaration with supporting test report. FDCM requires pesticide residue testing for all botanical raw materials from Asian origins.