Botanical Extract

A botanical extract is a concentrated preparation of plant or fungal material. Its specification should define the source, solvent, ratio or marker and any carrier, so that batches can be compared.

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What counts as a botanical extract

A botanical extract is made by steeping plant or fungal material in a solvent, then concentrating and drying the liquid. In the ingredient trade, "botanical" often covers mushrooms too, even though fungi are not plants. Which compounds end up in the extract depends largely on the solvent.

The two FC extracts in this tag

  • Harporia® is a Poria cocos extract powder. Its FC product page describes it as pure, solvent-free and full-spectrum, with polysaccharides highlighted. See the Harporia® branded page.
  • HepaAegis® is an Antrodia cinnamomea extract. Its FC product page states that it combines hot-water and alcohol extracts and is standardised for consistency. See the HepaAegis® branded page.

FC Materials supplies both from a global partner and does not manufacture them. Together they show how extraction choices shape a specification.

What a good specification includes

  • Source identity: Latin name, part used (for example sclerotium, fruiting body or mycelium) and origin.
  • Ratio or marker: a ratio states how much raw material went into each unit of extract. A marker states a measured compound level. Markers allow batch checks, while a ratio alone does not.
  • Solvent: water, ethanol, a mixture or another solvent. "Solvent-free" usually means no organic solvent, so ask what the extraction medium was.
  • Carrier: maltodextrin or other excipients added for drying or flow, and their share of the powder.
  • Physical data: appearance, particle size, bulk density, moisture and solubility.

Handling extracts in a formula

Water extracts and water-alcohol extracts can behave differently in the same base. Check dispersion, taste, colour and hygroscopicity in capsules, tablets, powders or drinks. Store sealed and dry, and confirm retest guidance with the supplier.

What to ask your supplier

  • A full specification plus a recent batch COA that matches it.
  • The identity test method and the marker test method.
  • Residual solvent results wherever organic solvents are used.
  • Heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins and microbiology.
  • Allergen, GMO and country-of-origin statements.

Claims for finished products using either extract must meet the rules of each target market. For extract specification questions, WhatsApp us.