Icaritin powder is a highly valued prenylated flavonoid derived from the Epimedium genus, widely recognized in the nutritional and nutraceutical industries for its potent biological activity. As a premium膳食补充剂原料 (dietary supplement ingredient), Icaritin represents the next evolution of Epimedium-derived compounds, offering enhanced bioactivity and lipophilicity compared to its precursor, Icariin. Sourced and manufactured under stringent quality controls by Extracts China, this bulk Icaritin powder is engineered to meet the exacting demands of modern formulation development, dietary supplement manufacturing, and pharmaceutical research.
Sourcing and Advanced Extraction Process
Botanical Origin and Raw Material Traceability
The foundation of high-quality Icaritin powder lies in the sourcing of its botanical precursor. Our raw material consists of wild-harvested or sustainably cultivated Epimedium brevicornum and Epimedium koreanum leaves, harvested at peak flavonoid concentration. Extracts China implements a rigorous raw material traceability system, ensuring that every batch of incoming plant material is authenticated and screened for agricultural residues, heavy metals, and microbial contamination prior to processing.
Targeted Extraction and Biotransformation Technology
Producing commercial-grade Icaritin requires more than standard solvent extraction. Naturally, Icaritin exists in trace amounts in the plant, while Icariin is abundant. Extracts China utilizes a proprietary biotransformation process involving targeted enzymatic hydrolysis to cleave the sugar moieties from Icariin and Epicariin, yielding high-purity Icaritin.
This controlled enzymatic conversion is followed by advanced column chromatography and fractional crystallization. This multi-step purification ensures the removal of inactive plant matrix components, resulting in a highly concentrated, solvent-free, and chemically consistent Icaritin powder. The entire manufacturing process adheres to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines, guaranteeing batch-to-batch consistency.
Physicochemical Properties and Specifications
Understanding the physical and chemical profile of Icaritin powder is critical for formulation development. Icaritin is a lipophilic compound, which significantly influences its solubility profile and delivery mechanisms.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Icaritin Powder |
| CAS Number | 118525-35-2 |
| Molecular Formula | C21H20O6 |
| Molecular Weight | 368.38 g/mol |
| Appearance | Yellow crystalline powder |
| Assay (Purity by HPLC) | ≥ 5.0%, 10.0%, 50.0%, 98.0% (Customizable) |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 5.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤ 1.0% |
| Heavy Metals | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1.0 ppm |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 2.0 ppm |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤ 1.0 ppm |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 0.1 ppm |
| Microbiology | |
| Total Plate Count | ≤ 1,000 cfu/g |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤ 100 cfu/g |
| E. coli | Negative |
| Salmonella | Negative |
Solubility and Stability Profile
Icaritin exhibits poor solubility in water but demonstrates high solubility in organic solvents such as DMSO, ethanol, and methanol. This lipophilic nature makes it an excellent candidate for lipid-based delivery systems, softgel encapsulation, and nano-emulsion formulations. The powder is highly stable under dry, sealed conditions at room temperature but may degrade under prolonged exposure to high humidity, direct UV light, or strongly alkaline environments.
Core Functional Benefits and Mechanisms of Action
Icaritin powder has garnered significant attention from the scientific and nutraceutical communities due to its multifaceted mechanisms of action. Unlike standard Epimedium extracts, isolated Icaritin functions as a potent bioactive agent with the following researched properties:
- Bone Metabolism Regulation: Icaritin has been shown to promote osteoblast proliferation and differentiation while inhibiting osteoclastogenesis, making it a sought-after ingredient for bone health and anti-osteoporosis formulations.
- Immunomodulation: It acts as a potent modulator of the immune system, enhancing the activity of macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells, which is vital for resilience and healthy aging formulations.
- Neuroprotection: Emerging preclinical research suggests Icaritin offers neuroprotective benefits by mitigating oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis in the central nervous system.
- Anti-Inflammatory Activity: By downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, Icaritin provides targeted support for systemic inflammatory responses.
Industry Applications and Formulation Compatibility
The versatile pharmacological profile of Icaritin powder allows for its integration across various health and wellness sectors. Formulators and brand owners frequently incorporate this ingredient into:
Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals
Icaritin is predominantly formulated into targeted bone health supplements, men's vitality blends, and healthy aging capsules. Because of its lipophilic nature, it is highly compatible with oil-based softgel formulations. For capsule and tablet formats, combining Icaritin powder with absorption enhancers (such as piperine or phospholipids to create phytosome complexes) is a proven strategy to maximize systemic bioavailability.
Pharmaceutical and Biomedical R&D
As a promising small-molecule compound, high-purity Icaritin (≥ 98%) is extensively utilized in drug discovery and preclinical trials, particularly in oncology research and advanced bone therapeutics.
Functional Foods and Cosmeceuticals
While limited by solubility, micro-encapsulated Icaritin can be integrated into functional beverage systems. In high-end cosmeceuticals, it is valued for its anti-aging and collagen-supporting properties, frequently featured in premium serums and anti-wrinkle creams.
Quality Assurance and Certifications
When sourcing bulk Icaritin powder, ingredient stability and regulatory compliance are paramount. Extracts China operates state-of-the-art QA/QC laboratories equipped with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) to verify the structural integrity and purity of every batch.
We guarantee full documentation support for our B2B partners, including:
- Comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- Gas Chromatography (GC) reports for residual solvents
- Heavy metal and microbiological testing reports
- Allergen-free and GMO-free declarations
- SDS (Safety Data Sheet) and Technical Data Sheets (TDS)
Our production facilities are regularly audited to maintain international certifications, ensuring that our Icaritin powder meets the stringent import requirements of North American, European, and Asia-Pacific markets.
Storage and Packaging Guidelines
To preserve the biochemical integrity of Icaritin powder, proper storage is mandatory. The compound should be kept in a cool, dry environment, protected from direct sunlight and moisture.
Packaging Options
Extracts China offers flexible, export-grade packaging solutions tailored to wholesale and bulk purchasing needs:
- Standard Packaging: 1 kg / 5 kg double-sealed aluminum foil bags with nitrogen flushing to prevent oxidation.
- Bulk Packaging: 25 kg fiber drums with double-layered PE liners for maximum stability during international transit.
Partner with Extracts China for Premium Icaritin Powder
Selecting the right raw material supplier is a critical strategic decision for nutraceutical manufacturers and brand owners. Extracts China combines deep industry expertise, advanced biotransformation technology, and uncompromising quality control to deliver Icaritin powder that drives product efficacy and commercial success. Our commitment to traceability, regulatory compliance, and formulation science makes us the preferred partner for dietary supplement importers and formulators worldwide.
For detailed pricing, custom specifications, or to request a technical datasheet and sample, please contact our procurement specialists today at [email protected].
