Allicin assay

Allicin is a marker of efficacy in garlic products, but its concentration can vary significantly depending on the extraction, processing, or storage methods. Due to its high instability, it degrades rapidly into other sulfur compounds (diallyl disulfide, ajoene, etc.). Therefore, precise measurement is essential for:

• Guaranteeing the claimed effectiveness of nutritional supplements or garlic extracts
• Standardize phytotherapeutic products for cardiovascular, digestive or immune use
• Optimizing the stability of formulations (capsules, powders, functional drinks)
• To validate the actual presence of allicin in so-called “enriched” or “standardized” extracts
• Monitor the quality of plant-based raw materials (Allium sativum, Allium ursinum)

Proposed analytical techniques

Quantifying allicin requires rapid, specific, and sensitive methods due to its chemical reactivity. YesWeLab offers two main analytical approaches:

• HPLC-DAD (high-performance liquid chromatography with UV/vis detection): a method commonly used for quantification in fresh extracts and formulations.
• LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry): ideal for low concentration quantification, identity confirmation and detection in complex or transformed matrices.

Matrices analyzed

Allicin analysis can be performed on numerous matrices from the food, nutraceutical, or plant-based formulation industries:

• Hydroalcoholic or glycolic extracts of garlic
• Freeze-dried or cryo-ground powders
• Vegetable capsules, tablets or softgels
• Foods enriched with garlic (purees, oils, sauces, prepared dishes)
• Food supplements based on Allium sativum or Allium ursinum
• Plant protection products or functional ingredients

Industrial and regulatory applications

Allicin testing is commonly used by:

• Manufacturers of food supplements, for quality control and batch conformity
• Herbal and phytotherapy laboratories, for the standardization of extracts
• Food processing companies, in functional garlic-based products
• Animal feed manufacturers, in formulations enriched with Allium
• Engineering or research firms, for studies of stability, efficacy or bioavailability

Recommended related analyses

For a complete characterization of garlic extracts or natural sulfur products, we recommend combining this analysis with other services available in the YesWeLab catalogue:

• Alliin assay (precursor to allicin) – to assess the potential for allicin formation
• S-allyl-cysteine ​​dosage – for aged garlic extracts (stabilized formulas)
• Antioxidant activity (DPPH, ORAC) – to enhance the functional properties of the extract
• Total polyphenol analysis – to assess synergy with other antioxidants

YesWeLab: your partner for allicin analysis

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting nutraceutical, agri-food and animal health professionals in managing their analyses, thanks to a centralized digital platform and a network of ISO 17025 / COFRAC accredited laboratories.

Each request is studied by our scientific team, which selects the laboratory, method and thresholds adapted to your regulatory, technical or marketing needs.

Do you need to measure the allicin content in your extracts?

Add this analysis to your quote request or contact our team directly for personalized support.