Whether you're developing a new line of energy drink, healthy snacks, or dietary supplement, quercetin offers proven answers that consumers are actively seeking. From sports nutrition to health supplements, its versatility make it a must-consider ingredient for forward-thinking brands.
As a quercetin manufacturer, in this blog, we'll introduce why you should consider incorporating it into your next product line.
What is Quercetin?
Quercetin is a natural plant pigment (flavonoid) found in many fruits, vegetables, and grains. It is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Undersun quercetin powder extracted from Sophora japonica, a yellow-green powder, ≥95% HPLC, and solves the problem of solubility through special technology.
What Foods Contain Quercetin?
Fruits: Apples (especially with skin), berries (cranberries, blueberries), citrus fruits, red grapes
Vegetables: Onions (red & yellow), kale, broccoli, capers, tomatoes
Other: Green tea, red wine, buckwheat, dark cherries
How is Quercetin Trihydrochloride Made?
Source of Raw Materials:
Sophora japonica flower buds are commonly used due to their high quercetin content and commercial availability. The raw plant material is harvested, dried, and then subjected to extraction.
Active Ingredient Content:
The core compound, quercetin, is quantified in the final product using validated analytical methods. Typically contains over 95% quercetin by HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography).
Water Solubility:
Quercetin itself is poorly soluble in water, but quercetin trihydrochloride exhibits improved solubility compared to pure quercetin. This is due to the presence of hydrochloride groups, which enhance its aqueous dispersion and bioavailability in formulations.
Microorganisms:
Microbial testing ensures the product meets safety standards:
Total Plate Count (TPC): ≤ 1,000 CFU/g
Yeast & Mold: ≤ 100 CFU/g
E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus: Absent in 10g Sterilization techniques such as irradiation or steam treatment are often applied to control microbial load.
Pesticide Residues:
Pesticide residues are strictly controlled following EU standards. Multiresidue testing is performed using GC-MS/MS or LC-MS/MS, covering up to 500 common agricultural pesticides. The final product comply with limits set by global regulatory bodies.
Heavy Metals:
Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) are analyzed via ICP-MS or AAS. Acceptable limits are:
Pb: ≤ 2.0 ppm
Cd: ≤ 1.0 ppm
As: ≤ 1.0 ppm
Hg: ≤ 0.1 ppm
Quality Control:
Every batch undergoes rigorous QC procedures, including:
Identity confirmation by IR, NMR, or MS
Assay by HPLC
Microbiological and heavy metal analysis
Solubility and stability testing
Moisture content via Karl Fischer titration
Why is Quercetin in functional foods?
Quercetin is poorly absorbed alone, but pairing it with piperine (black pepper extract) or lipids in functional foods enhances bioavailability. Its inclusion offers a convenient way to harness its benefits without relying solely on dietary sources (e.g., onions, apples, berries).
Quercetin may be beneficial for:
- Supporting immune health
- Reducing allergy symptoms (like hay fever)
- Antioxidant effects
- Improving endurance and recovery in athletes
How to solve the bitter taste of quercetin in functional foods: formulation suggestions
quercetin has a naturally bitter taste, which can be a significant challenge when adding it to functional foods like beverages, snacks, or supplements. To address the issue of bitterness, there are several strategies that can be employed:
1. Encapsulation: Microencapsulation and nanoencapsulation techniques can be used to coat quercetin molecules with a protective layer. This can help mask the bitter taste by preventing direct contact with taste receptors in the mouth.
2. Combination with Sweeteners or Flavors: Adding natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract can help counterbalance the bitterness.
3. Formulation with Other Functional Ingredients:
- When quercetin is combined with other bioactive ingredients (e.g., vitamins, minerals, or other antioxidants like vitamin C), the overall flavor can be adjusted and balanced to reduce bitterness.
- Blending with fruit powders that have a naturally sweet or pleasant taste can help improve the overall flavor profile.
4. Textural Adjustments: Incorporating quercetin into certain textures, like gels or soft chews, can help reduce the perception of bitterness. These products can be designed to release the quercetin in the mouth in a way that minimizes bitterness.
Is Quercetin Safe?
Quercetin is generally safe when consumed in food amounts. The content in dietary supplements and functional food formulas is generally within the safe range. As a supplement, it is well-tolerated by most people, but high doses may cause:
Headaches
Stomach upset
Tingling sensations
Kidney damage (in extreme cases with very high doses)
Precautions:
Pregnant/Breastfeeding women – Limited safety data; consult a doctor.
Kidney problems – High doses may be harmful.
Drug interactions – May interact with blood thinners, antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs.
contact us for wholesale order
Undersun specialize in producing high-quality plant extracts, providing natural solutions for a wide range of industries including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and beverages, and dietary supplements. Don't miss out on the opportunity to elevate your formulations.
Contact us at herbext@undersun.com.cn to get the best quotation, COA, COI, specification sheets and Certifications.
