Berberine (benzylisoquinoline alkaloid) dosage

Berberine analysis allows for the quantification of this natural alkaloid found in many medicinal plants, including Berberis vulgaris, Coptis chinensis, and Hydrastis canadensis. This molecule belongs to the benzylisoquinoline alkaloid family and is widely recognized for its antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic properties.

Used in food supplements, plant extracts and nutraceutical formulations, berberine is subject to rigorous control to ensure regulatory compliance, the quality of raw materials and the stability of finished products.

Analytical principles and techniques

Berberine is usually measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS or LC-MS/MS).

• HPLC-DAD (UV-visible detection): the reference method for quantifying berberine in standard plant extracts. It allows for excellent reproducibility and good separation of associated alkaloids (palmatine, jatrorrhizine, coptisine).
• LC-MS/MS: high-precision method allowing specific identification and fine quantification, even at low concentrations, in complex or multi-component matrices.

The analytical conditions (mobile phase, detection, column) are optimized according to the matrix in order to guarantee the reliability of the results, whether for crude extracts, powders, capsules or hydroalcoholic tinctures.

Analyzed matrices

The matrices typically studied include:

• Dry extracts of medicinal plants (Berberis, Hydrastis, Coptis, Phellodendron)
• Mother tinctures and hydroalcoholic extracts
• Pure or mixed plant powders
• Nutraceutical capsules and tablets
• Formulations based on standardized berberine or combined with other metabolic actives (curcumin, alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, etc.)

Analytical and regulatory interest

Accurate determination of berberine content offers several advantages:

• Quality control of extracts and finished products (stability, homogeneity, conformity to manufacturer specifications).
• Evaluation of the purity and standardization of natural extracts.
• Regulatory traceability within the framework of Regulation (EU) No 2015/2283 on novel foods and INCO requirements for nutraceutical products.
• Optimization of formulations in products with a metabolic target (glycemic regulation, lipid management).

The assay is also used to detect fraudulent additions, particularly in non-compliant food supplements containing synthetic analogues.

Industrial applications

Berberine analysis is essential for those involved in herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, natural cosmetics, and animal health products.
It allows for the evaluation of formulation stability, the bioavailability of active ingredients, and batch conformity to their functional claims.

Further analyses recommended

For a complete characterization of alkaloids and associated active ingredients, YesWeLab also recommends:

• Palmarin dosage
• Total flavonoid content determination by HPLC
• HPLC analysis of plant polyphenols
• Dosage of curcumin (curcuminoids)

These additional analyses make it possible to document the complete phytochemical profile of a plant extract and to ensure consistency between production batches.

YesWeLab Expertise

At YesWeLab , we entrust the analysis of berberine to a network of partner laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 and COFRAC, specializing in analytical chemistry and phytochemistry.
Our experts select the most suitable method based on your matrix and regulatory requirements, while guaranteeing optimal traceability and compliance.

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform, you can order, track and centralize your analyses online, while benefiting from the scientific support of our team.