Costunolide (sesquiterpene lactone) assay

Costunolide is a sesquiterpene lactone found in several plant species, notably elecampane (Inula helenium) and other medicinal plants of the Asteraceae family. This natural compound is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties, making it a molecule of interest in the fields of phytotherapy and nutraceuticals.

Costunolide dosage ensures standardization of plant extracts, regulatory compliance, and scientifically demonstrates the efficacy of herbal products.

Importance of dosage

Costunolide content can vary depending on the botanical origin, growing conditions, extraction process, and storage of the raw materials. Reliable quantification is therefore necessary to:

• Standardize medicinal plant extracts
• Ensure the reproducibility of nutraceutical formulations
• Demonstrate the efficacy and quality of finished products
• Meet regulatory requirements for safety and compliance
• Strengthen consumer confidence through transparent analytical data

This analysis is particularly useful for manufacturers of food supplements, distributors and research offices specializing in plant extracts.

Available analytical methods

Costunolide analysis relies on high-precision chromatographic techniques adapted to complex plant matrices:

• HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography): the reference method for the separation and quantification of costunolide. It allows for reproducible and reliable measurement even at low concentrations.
• LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry): an advanced method that not only confirms the molecular identity of costunolide but also detects other sesquiterpene lactones present in the extracts.

These approaches guarantee results that meet industrial and regulatory requirements.

Affected matrices

Costunolide levels can be measured in various plant matrices and derived products:

• Root extracts (particularly elecampane)
• Plant powders used in herbal medicine
• Dietary supplements in capsule or tablet form
• Complex nutraceutical preparations containing several natural active ingredients

This analysis is applicable to both raw materials and finished products, guaranteeing complete control of the production chain.

Industrial and scientific applications

Costunolide dosage is essential for various industrial and scientific stakeholders:

• In nutraceuticals and phytotherapy, it ensures the standardization of extracts and the conformity of formulations.
• In research, it allows the evaluation of the biological effects of costunolide, particularly its anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties.
• For distributors and importers, it guarantees batch safety and limits the risks of regulatory non-compliance.
• For development laboratories, it contributes to innovation by identifying the content of active molecules in plant extracts.

Additional analyses available

To complete the analytical profile of plant extracts, YesWeLab offers the measurement of other sesquiterpene lactones and associated bioactive compounds:

Alantolactone assay,
quercetin (flavonoid) assay,
rutin (flavonoid) assay

These services enable a complete characterization of plant extracts and enhance their scientific and commercial value.

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab relies on a network of partner laboratories specializing in physico-chemical and plant analyses, rigorously selected and mostly ISO 17025 certified and COFRAC accredited.

Since 2020, our digital platform has been supporting manufacturers, distributors, and engineering firms in managing their analyses. It centralizes requests, simplifies sample tracking, and guarantees reliable and rapid results.

Our scientific team makes every effort to meet the specific needs of clients in terms of quality control, standardization and regulatory compliance.