Organic Astragalus Extract Powder

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

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