Assay of withanolides and withanosides

The measurement of withanolides and withanosides is essential for manufacturers and distributors of nutraceutical products, dietary supplements, and medicinal plant extracts. These bioactive molecules, characteristic of ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera ), are known for their adaptogenic properties, contributing to stress management, immune system support, and improved vitality.

The precise measurement of their concentrations in standardized extracts, powders or final formulations is a guarantee of quality, conformity and market value.

Understanding withanolides and withanosides

Withanolides are a family of steroidal lactones naturally present in ashwagandha, a plant widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. They exert various biological activities, including:

• Adaptogenic effects contributing to stress resistance
• Boosting vitality and energy
• Immunomodulatory properties
• Potential role in cell protection and regeneration

Withanosides are the glycosylated forms of withanolides. They enrich the spectrum of action of ashwagandha and are key analytical markers for assessing the quality and standardization of extracts.

Analytical methods for the determination of withanolides

Two reference chromatographic techniques are used for the analysis of withanolides and withanosides:

• HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) : reference method for separating and quantifying the main withanolides in plant matrices or formulated products.
• LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry) : allows specific identification and high sensitivity, suitable for complex extracts or low concentration assays.

These methods ensure precise, reproducible quantification that complies with nutraceutical industry standards. They are essential to guarantee the quality of marketed extracts and the reliability of health claims.

Sectors affected by withanolide testing

The analysis of withanolides and withanosides is relevant to several fields:

• Nutraceuticals and food supplements : quality control of ashwagandha extracts incorporated into powders, capsules, functional drinks or combined formulations.
• Phytotherapy and herbalism : validation of the content of active ingredients in traditional preparations or standardized extracts.
• Research and development : characterization of bioactive profiles to evaluate new health or therapeutic applications.
• Medicinal plants : batch control and standardization of Withania somnifera .

Typically analyzed matrices

Withanolides and withanosides are sought in several types of matrices, including:

• Standardized ashwagandha extracts
• Root or leaf powders
• Nutraceutical capsules and tablets
• Functional drinks and foods
• Herbal preparations

Quality and compliance issues

The natural variability of withanolide levels in ashwagandha necessitates rigorous analytical control. The main challenges are:

• Standardization of extracts : guaranteeing a minimum concentration of withanolides, generally set by industrial specifications.
• Regulatory compliance : comply with the standards in force according to the target markets, particularly for export.
• Reliability of health claims : scientifically documenting the presence of bioactive ingredients to strengthen product credibility.
• Consumer safety : preventing risks related to excessive variations between batches or to products of insufficient quality.

YesWeLab support for your ashwagandha analyses

At YesWeLab, we provide a network of laboratories specializing in the analysis of plant extracts and bioactive compounds. Our accredited and certified partners (ISO 17025, COFRAC) use validated methods to guarantee reliable and recognized results.

Thanks to our digital platform, you can:

• Sending your samples is easy
• Track the progress of your analyses in real time
• Receive your results quickly and securely

Our scientific teams advise you on the choice of analytical methods and on the best strategy to secure your product developments.

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