Biochanin A (isoflavone) assay

Biochanin A (CAS: 491-80-5) is a methylated isoflavone found primarily in red clover (Trifolium pratense) and, to a lesser extent, in other legumes. It is widely studied for its phytoestrogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Its potential role in hormonal health, particularly in supporting menopause, explains its frequent use in dietary supplements marketed to women.

Why measure biochanin A?

Biochanin A levels are essential for:

• Standardize plant extracts rich in isoflavones
• Validate the composition of active ingredients in nutraceutical formulations
• Ensure compliance with health or nutritional claims
• Evaluate bioavailability in clinical or R&D studies
• Control the quality of raw materials and finished products

Biochanin A acts as a metabolic precursor to genistein and daidzein, two other active isoflavones. Its concentration is therefore an important indicator of the potential efficacy of plant extracts.

Proposed analytical methods

Biochanin A analysis is performed by liquid chromatography, using reliable and validated methods:

• HPLC-DAD (High Performance Liquid Chromatography – Diode Array Detector): reference method for separating and quantifying isoflavones with UV detection.
• LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry): high-precision method, suitable for complex matrices or low concentrations.

These techniques are capable of discriminating biochanin A from other isoflavones present in plant extracts, guaranteeing a specific and reproducible measurement.

Affected matrices

The dosage can be applied to different pharmaceutical forms or plant-based ingredients:

• Standardized extracts of red clover
• Plant powders and botanical raw materials
• Capsules, tablets or liquid supplements
• Functional ingredients intended for the food or nutraceutical industries
• Products enriched with phytoestrogens

Industrial applications

Biochanin A measurement is particularly useful for:

• The formulation of supplements aimed at menopause or hormonal balance
• The development of natural ingredients with moderate estrogenic activity
• The standardization of plant extracts according to technical or regulatory specifications
• Monitoring asset stability during storage
• Evaluation of the overall isoflavone profile in plant complexes

Why choose YesWeLab for your analyses?

YesWeLab offers a fast, reliable, and customized analysis service, in collaboration with a network of accredited partner laboratories (ISO 17025, COFRAC, etc.). We select the laboratory best suited to your needs based on the technique, matrix, and quality or regulatory requirements.

Thanks to our digital platform, you can:

• Submit your samples online
• Get a personalized quote quickly
• Track your analysis requests in real time
• Access comprehensive and interpretable reports

Our dedicated scientific team will support you throughout your project, from the selection of methods to the exploitation of results.

Recommended internal links

To complement your analysis of isoflavones and phytoestrogens, also consult:

• Daidzein dosage – Non-methylated isoflavone also derived from soy
• Daidzin assay – Glycosylated form of daidzin
• Genistein assay – Another major isoflavone in plant extracts
• Total flavonoid content – ​​Additional analysis to characterize complex botanical extracts

Contact our team

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting professionals in nutraceuticals, medicinal plants, and functional formulation with their analytical strategies. Save time managing your analyses, access the best assay techniques, and ensure the success of your product development.

Do you have a specific need? Contact us now or add this service to your quote via our online form.