What is polygonum multiflorum extract？

What exactly is Polygonum multiflorum extract?

 

Polygonum multiflorum extract is a standardized plant extract prepared from the dried tuberous roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., a plant belonging to the Polygonaceae family. As a traditional and precious Chinese medicinal herb, Polygonum multiflorum was first recorded in the Northern Song Dynasty's *Kaibao Materia Medica*, boasting a medicinal history of over 1300 years. In the modern B2B raw material market, Polygonum multiflorum extract has become an indispensable core ingredient in dietary supplements, functional foods, cosmetics, and the pharmaceutical industry.

 

Botanically speaking, Polygonum multiflorum is a perennial twining vine, and its medicinal part is its thickened tuberous root, mainly produced in Henan, Hubei, Sichuan, and Guangdong provinces of China. Based on different processing methods, Polygonum multiflorum can be divided into two main categories: "raw Polygonum multiflorum" and "processed Polygonum multiflorum." Raw Polygonum multiflorum is made by directly slicing and drying, focusing on detoxification, reducing swelling, and promoting bowel movements.

 

Processed Polygonum multiflorum is processed through methods such as steaming with black bean juice, which enriches and transforms the main active ingredients of the extract, focusing more on its effects of tonifying the liver and kidneys, nourishing essence and blood, and darkening hair.

At the industrial production level, Polygonum multiflorum extract is usually prepared using modern extraction processes such as water extraction and alcohol precipitation, macroporous resin purification, and spray drying. High-quality suppliers, such as Xi'an Sost Biotech Co., Ltd., can provide standardized products with a 10:1 ratio of extract to meet the diverse needs of B-end customers, ranging from traditional Chinese medicine formulas to modern functional products.

 

For B-end buyers who purchase in bulk, understanding the basic properties of Polygonum multiflorum extract is crucial. The extract appears as a yellowish-brown to brownish-red powder with a characteristic odor and is readily soluble in water and ethanol-water solutions. It is noteworthy that the core active ingredient in Polygonum multiflorum extract, stilbene glycoside, is sensitive to light, heat, and acid, and is prone to degradation at high temperatures (above 80°C) or in acidic environments. This necessitates strict quality control by suppliers throughout the extraction, storage, and transportation chain, and also requires purchasers to fully consider process compatibility during formulation design.

 

What are the main active ingredients of Polygonum multiflorum extract?

 

The pharmacological activity of *Polygonum multiflorum* extract stems from its complex chemical composition system. Modern phytochemical research has isolated and identified over 100 compounds from *Polygonum multiflorum*, mainly including stilbene glycosides, anthraquinones, phospholipids, flavonoids, and other polyphenolic compounds. Among them, stilbene glycoside (2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside, abbreviated as TSG) is recognized as a core marker for the quality evaluation of Polygonum multiflorum extract powder.

 

Stilbene glycosides (TSG) – The Gold Standard Ingredient
Stilbene glycosides are a unique water-soluble bioactive component of Polygonum multiflorum extract, with a molecular weight of 406.39, belonging to the polyhydrostilbenes class of compounds. This component possesses significant antioxidant, anti-aging, neuroprotective, and lipid-regulating activities. The Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 edition) clearly stipulates that the content of stilbene glycosides in Polygonum multiflorum should not be less than 1.0%, while the TSG content of high-quality Polygonum multiflorum extract can reach 50%-98%.

 

From a B2B application perspective, the stability of stilbene glycosides is a key consideration in procurement decisions. Studies have shown that stilbene glycoside aqueous solutions are unstable at high temperatures (80℃), and their content is negatively correlated with temperature; after being placed in a 4% sulfuric acid solution at room temperature for 12 hours, the content drops to 31.67% of its original value. Therefore, professional suppliers such as Xi'an Sost Biotech Co., Ltd. employ processes such as low-temperature extraction, vacuum concentration, and inert gas protection in the production of Polygonum multiflorum extract to ensure the complete preservation of the active ingredients.

 

Anthraquinones: Anthraquinones in Polygonum multiflorum extract include emodin, chrysophanol, and rhein. In raw Polygonum multiflorum, anthraquinones are predominantly bound, exhibiting a mild laxative effect; after processing, they are converted to free anthraquinones, reducing toxicity and enhancing tonic effects. From a quality control perspective, B2B buyers need to focus on the total anthraquinone content. High-quality Polygonum multiflorum extract should strictly control free anthraquinones within a safe range to avoid potential hepatotoxicity risks.

 

Phospholipids and Polysaccharides: Phospholipids such as lecithin are important material basis for the tonic effects of Polygonum multiflorum extract, playing a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of neuronal membrane structure and delaying brain cell aging. Furthermore, Polygonum multiflorum polysaccharides, as immunomodulatory active ingredients, show broad prospects in the development of functional foods.

 

Quality Control Indicators

For B2B clients making bulk purchases, the quality standards for Polygonum multiflorum extract should include at least the following core indicators:
* Stilbene glycoside content: Determined by HPLC, typically ≥10% (customizable to 50%-98% upon request)
* Total anthraquinone content: Determined by UV method, must meet pharmacopoeia safety limits
* Moisture: ≤5.0%
* Ash content: ≤5.0%
* Heavy metals: Lead ≤5ppm, Arsenic ≤2ppm, Mercury ≤0.2ppm, Cadmium ≤0.3ppm
* Microorganisms: Must meet standards for dietary supplements or cosmetic raw materials

 

Xi'an Sost Biotech Co., Ltd., as a professional bulk manufacturer of Polygonum multiflorum extract, has established a comprehensive quality control system from raw material traceability to finished product testing, ensuring that each batch of products meets international standards such as USP, EP, and CP.

 

What are the core applications of Polygonum multiflorum extract in B2B products?

 

With its definite pharmacological activity and good safety profile, Polygonum multiflorum extract has formed four core application areas in the B2B market: dietary supplements, functional foods, cosmetics and personal care, and pharmaceutical raw materials. The following is an in-depth analysis of application strategies and key technologies in various fields from a B2B product development perspective.

 

Dietary Supplements and Functional Foods
In the North American, European, and Asia-Pacific markets, Polygonum multiflorum extract, as an "adaptogen," is widely used in dietary supplement formulations targeting specific functions such as anti-aging, cognitive health, hair health, and liver support.

 

1. Hair Health and Anti-Hair Loss Formulations
The application of Polygonum multiflorum extract in the field of hair health has a solid scientific basis. Modern research shows that Polygonum multiflorum extract can upregulate the expression of β-catenin and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) proteins, inducing hair follicles to enter the growth phase; it also stimulates the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells, enhances mitochondrial activity, and exhibits anti-androgenic effects, inhibiting androgen receptor expression. For B2B clients, when developing hair growth capsules or tablets containing Polygonum multiflorum extract, it is recommended to combine them with ingredients such as biotin, zinc, and saw palmetto extract to form a synergistic formula. The recommended dosage is 20-50 mg of stilbene glycosides daily.

 

2. Anti-aging and Cognitive Support
Stilbene glycosides exert systemic antioxidant effects by scavenging DPPH free radicals and superoxide anions, enhancing SOD and GSH-Px activity, and reducing MDA, a lipid peroxidation product. In anti-aging formulations, Polygonum multiflorum extract is often combined with NMN, resveratrol, and coenzyme Q10. For cognitive health products, studies have shown that stilbene glycosides can promote hippocampal synaptic plasticity and improve learning and memory abilities, making them suitable for the development of brain health supplements for middle-aged and elderly individuals.

 

3. Lipid Regulation and Cardiovascular Health
Polygonum multiflorum extract exerts cardiovascular protective effects by inhibiting cholesterol absorption, promoting LDL metabolism, and lowering serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In the functional food sector, this extract has been applied to lipid-lowering health drinks and meal replacement powders.

 

Cosmetics and Personal Care

Driven by the Clean Beauty trend, Polygonum multiflorum extract, as a naturally derived functional ingredient, occupies an important position in high-end hair and skin care products.

 

1. Hair Care and Darkening Products: Polygonum multiflorum extract promotes the proliferation of melanin B-16 cells by up to 240% at a concentration of 0.2%, increasing melanin secretion and delaying gray hair. The recommended addition level in shampoos, conditioners, and scalp serums is 0.01%-1%. B2B formulators should note that stilbene glycosides are prone to discoloration upon contact with iron ions and should be avoided from iron containers. It is also recommended to combine it with ginger extract, Platycladus orientalis leaf extract, and ginseng extract to construct a traditional Chinese hair care formula system.

 

2. Anti-aging Skincare Products: Due to its potent antioxidant activity, Polygonum multiflorum extract is widely used in anti-aging products such as serums, creams, and masks. It reduces wrinkle formation and improves dull skin tone by inhibiting UVA-induced oxidative stress damage to HaCaT cells. When designing the formula, it is recommended to control the pH value between 5.0 and 7.0 to avoid a highly acidic environment that could degrade the active ingredients.

 

Pharmaceutical and Traditional Chinese Medicine Granules Sector

 

In the pharmaceutical B2B market, Polygonum multiflorum extract is used to prepare traditional Chinese medicine granules, standard decoctions, and modern TCM preparations. As a traditional tonic, processed Polygonum multiflorum is a key ingredient in classic formulas such as Qibao Meiran Dan and Shouwu Yanshou Dan. Modern pharmaceutical companies have developed it into standardized dosage forms such as granules, capsules, and tablets.

 

Why Choose Our Polygonum Multiflorum Extract?

 

In the B2B supply sector for Polygonum multiflorum extract, Xi'an Sost Biotech Co., Ltd., with over ten years of professional experience, has become a trusted strategic partner for global clients. We understand the complexities of international trade, have established a professional export team, and are proficient in the import regulations of plant extracts in various countries, ensuring smooth customs clearance and compliant market entry for Polygonum multiflorum extract products.

 

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