Table of Contents
What is Organic Astragalus Extract Powder?
Organic Astragalus Extract Powder is derived from certified organic Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch. ex Bunge) Bunge — the primary medicinal species recognized in the Chinese Pharmacopeia (黄芪, Huang Qi) and international pharmacopoeias. Sourced from certified organic farms in Shanxi and Gansu provinces, where astragalus has been cultivated for over 2,000 years, the root is processed through a controlled water-ethanol extraction that concentrates the three most pharmacologically significant bioactive compound classes:
Astragalus Polysaccharides (APS) — ≥50%: The primary immunomodulatory component. APS (heteropolysaccharides composed of glucose, galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, and glucuronic acid) directly activates macrophages, enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity, promotes T-cell proliferation, and supports the body’s natural defense mechanisms. At ≥50% concentration, Organic Astragalus Extract Powder delivers the most potent APS-available organic astragalus ingredient on the market.
Astragalus Saponins (Astragalosides I–VII) — ≥5%: Triterpenoid saponins that support cardiovascular health, liver protection, and anti-fatigue effects. Astragaloside IV is the most pharmacologically active saponin marker. The ≥5% saponin specification ensures meaningful bioactivity in capsule and tablet applications.
Astragalus Flavonoids: Including ononin, calycosin, and formononetin — providing additional antioxidant activity and supporting the adaptogenic profile of the extract.
Format Advantages
At a 4:1–10:1 extract ratio, 1 kg of extract powder is equivalent to 4–10 kg of raw astragalus root. This concentration enables high-dose, small-volume capsule and tablet formulations — a 500 mg capsule delivers approximately 250 mg APS and 25 mg saponins per unit, comparable to the active doses used in clinical studies. The fine powder (80–100 mesh, D90 ≤180 µm) is fully compatible with standard encapsulation and tableting equipment.
Certifications Available
USDA Organic, EU Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher, Halal, ISO 22000, HACCP.
Minimum Order Quantity
Samples available via FedEx, UPS, or EMS. Commercial volumes in 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, or 25 kg kraft bags. Contact sales for quotation and lead time.
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch. ex Bunge) Bunge | Macroscopic / DNA barcoding |
| Chinese Name (Pinyin) | 黄芪 (Huang Qi) | — |
| Product Form | Fine powder | Visual |
| Extract Ratio | 4:1–10:1 (customizable) | In-house |
| Appearance | Uniform light brown powder | Visual |
| Particle Size | 80–100 mesh (D90 ≤180 µm) | Sieve analysis |
| Moisture Content | ≤5% | Karl Fischer |
| Ash (Total) | ≤5% | Gravimetric |
| Astragalus Polysaccharides (APS) | ≥50% | Phenol-sulfuric acid method |
| Astragalus Saponins (total astragalosides) | ≥5% | HPLC-ELSD |
| Astragaloside IV | ≥0.1% | HPLC-ELSD |
| Flavonoids | Naturally present | UVspectrophotometry |
| Solubility in Water | Partially soluble; fully soluble in hydroalcoholic solutions | Visual |
| Heat Stability | Stable — suitable for heated formulations | Thermal challenge test |
| Shelf Life | 24 months (sealed, cool, dry, dark) | — |
MICROBIOLOGICAL & CONTAMINANT STANDARDS
Microbiological Limits
| Test | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Total Plate Count (TPC) | ≤100,000 CFU/g | ISO 4833 |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤1,000 CFU/g | ISO 21527 |
| E. coli | Negative | ISO 16649 |
| Salmonella spp. | Negative / 25g | ISO 6579 |
Note: Microbiological limits for dried herbal extracts are naturally higher than for dried fruit powders due to soil-grown botanical origins. Limits comply with Ph. Eur. and USP standards for dried herbal preparations.
Heavy Metal Limits
| Metal | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | <0.5 mg/kg | ICP-OES |
| Arsenic (As) | <0.5 mg/kg | ICP-OES |
| Cadmium (Cd) | <0.1 mg/kg | ICP-OES |
| Mercury (Hg) | <0.05 mg/kg | ICP-OES |
| Total Aflatoxins | <4 ppb | LC-MS/MS |
| Aflatoxin B1 | <2 ppb | LC-MS/MS |
| Pesticide Residues | 500+ substances — ND | GC-MS / LC-MS/MS |
Regulatory Status
| Market | Status |
|---|---|
| USA | Dietary supplement ingredient; GRAS affirmed. APS and saponins as active dietary ingredients |
| EU | Food supplement ingredient. EU Organic. Immune claims require EFSA Reg 1924/2006 compliance |
| Japan / Kampo | Recognized in Japanese Pharmacopeia |
| China (GB) | Food ingredient under GB standards; astragalus extract authorized |
| Australia / TGA | Listed in TGA Complementary Medicines Ingredients |
| Canada (NHPD) | Natural Health Product ingredient; approved for immune support and energy claims |
⚠️ Adaptogen claim note: “Adaptogen” is a pharmacological classification, not an approved health claim in the USA or EU. Use TCM-traditional or structure-function language: “traditionally used in TCM to support qi” / “supports healthy immune function.” Never use “treats,” “cures,” or “prevents” in connection with specific conditions.
CERTIFICATIONS
| Certification | Status | Issuing Body |
|---|---|---|
| USDA Organic (NOP) | √ | USDA-accredited certifier |
| EU Organic (Reg 2018/848) | √ | EU-authorized control body |
| Non-GMO Project Verified | √ | Non-GMO Project |
| Kosher | √ | Orthodox Union (or equivalent) |
| Halal | √ | Halal Certification Authority |
| ISO 22000 | √ | International standard |
| HACCP | √ | Food safety system |
| Vegan | √ (inherently vegan) | Third-party certifier |
| Gluten-Free | √ (naturally GF) | GFCO or equivalent |
| Common Food Allergens | None declared | — |
COA, Organic Transaction Certificate, Non-GMO Certificate, Kosher Certificate, Halal Certificate, TDS, and SDS provided per batch. All certificates issued against the specific production batch.
APPLICATIONS & USAGE GUIDELINES
Recommended Application Sectors
| Application | Format | Typical Dosage | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immune Support Capsules & Tablets | Extract Powder | 300–800 mg/unit | High APS concentration enables small capsule size with effective immune-support dose |
| Adaptogen / Stress Formula Capsules | Extract Powder | 200–400 mg/serving | Standardized saponins support adaptogen positioning |
| Multi-Herb Immune Blends | Extract Powder | 200–500 mg APS contribution | Combines with Elderberry, Andrographis, Reishi, Beta-Glucans |
| RTD Functional Beverages | Extract Powder | 0.5–2 g per serving | Heat-stable; partially soluble with agitation; hydroalcoholic matrix preferred |
| Protein & Recovery Powders | Extract Powder | 1–3% w/w | Immune support positioning for sports nutrition |
| Functional Food Premixes | Extract Powder | 1–5% w/w | Incorporated into dried functional food blends |
| Elderberry + Astragalus Combinations | Extract Powder | 200–400 mg APS | Western + TCM dual-mechanism immune formulation |
Formulation Notes
Capsule Applications: At ≥50% APS, a 500 mg capsule delivers ~250 mg APS and ~25 mg saponins per unit — comparable to active doses used in clinical studies. Combine with elderberry extract or beta-glucans for multi-mechanism immune formulas. Smaller capsule size improves consumer compliance.
Beverage Solubility: Extract powder is partially soluble in water. For clear RTD beverages, use with agitation or in hydroalcoholic (30–50% ethanol) beverage matrices. For cloudy or semi-transparent beverages, full incorporation is achievable with standard mixing equipment.
Heat Stability: Astragalus extract is heat-stable — suitable for pasteurized beverages, functional teas, and food applications requiring thermal processing. APS and saponin content are retained under standard HTST and UHT conditions.
Blending with Other Botanicals:
- Elderberry + Astragalus: Western (elderberry) + TCM (astragalus) immune support synergy — two distinct immunomodulatory mechanisms.
- Ashwagandha + Astragalus: Stress + immune combination — cortisol regulation meets immune surveillance.
- Reishi + Astragalus: Deep immune support + calm positioning.
FAQ
Q: What extract ratio do you recommend — 4:1 or 10:1?
A: 4:1 is the most common and recommended ratio — it balances cost efficiency with bioactivity, making it practical for standard capsule and tablet formulations. 10:1 provides maximum concentration for premium products or applications where minimal ingredient volume is required. Contact ORGANICWAY sales to discuss your specific formulation requirements and pricing.
Q: Is this product heat-stable for use in hot beverages?
A: Yes. Organic Astragalus Extract Powder is heat-stable and suitable for pasteurized beverages, functional teas, and hot-processed food applications. APS and saponin content are retained under standard thermal processing conditions (HTST pasteurization, UHT). Avoid prolonged boiling, which may degrade sensitive polysaccharide fractions.
Q: How does Astragalus Extract Powder compare to Astragalus Root Slices?
A: Extract Powder is concentrated (≥50% APS, ≥5% saponins, 4:1–10:1 ratio) in fine powder form — ideal for capsules, tablets, and high-dose supplements where dose efficiency matters. Root Slices are whole-root format (≥20% APS) for traditional TCM decoctions and herbal tea blends where the complete root matrix and traditional preparation method are preferred. Both formats are organically certified and carry Kosher and Halal certifications.
Q: Can this be used in Kosher and Halal certified finished products?
A: Yes. Organic Astragalus Extract Powder carries confirmed Kosher (Orthodox Union or equivalent) and Halal (Halal Certification Authority) certifications — enabling your finished product to carry both certifications from a single certified ingredient source.
Q: What is the recommended daily serving size for immune support?
A: For dietary supplements, typical immune support serving sizes range from 300–1,000 mg of extract powder per day, divided into 1–2 doses. This delivers approximately 150–500 mg APS per day — consistent with the active range studied in clinical trials. For specific formulation guidance, consult relevant clinical literature and regulatory requirements in your target market.
Q: What is the minimum order quantity and lead time?
A: Samples available via FedEx, UPS, or EMS for specification verification and formulation trials. For commercial volumes: supplied in 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, or 25 kg kraft bags with inner PE liner. Standard lead time is 10–20 days from confirmed purchase order. Contact sales@organic-way.com with your required format, volume, destination, and certification requirements for a confirmed quotation.
Q: Is astragalus safe for long-term daily use?
A: Astragalus is considered one of the safest adaptogenic herbs, with over 2,000 years of documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is generally well-tolerated and suitable for long-term daily use at recommended supplement levels (300–1,000 mg/day). It is not recommended for individuals with autoimmune conditions without medical supervision, as its immunomodulatory effects may theoretically stimulate overactive immune responses. Pregnant or nursing individuals should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Q: Are organic transaction certificates provided for finished product certification?
A: Yes. Each shipment includes an Organic Transaction Certificate (OTC) documenting the organic chain of custody from certified organic astragalus farms through to the finished extract. This is the required documentation for your organic certification body to verify the organic integrity of this ingredient in your formulation.
PACKAGING & STORAGE
Packaging Options
| Package Size | Format | Packaging Material |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kg | Powder | Kraft bag + PE liner |
| 5 kg | Powder | Kraft bag + PE liner |
| 10 kg | Powder | Kraft bag + PE liner |
| 25 kg | Powder | Fiber drum + PE liner |
| Custom | Powder | Bulk bag / dedicated container |
Storage Conditions
- Temperature: ≤25°C (cool, dry environment)
- Relative humidity: ≤55% RH
- Avoid: Moisture, humidity, strong odors, direct sunlight
- Shelf life: 24 months from manufacturing date (sealed, unopened)
- Hygroscopic: Protect from humidity — use dry equipment when dispensing
