Assay of chicoric acid (or cichoric acid) (hydroxycinnamic acid)

Chicoric, also spelled acid cichoric acid, is a hydroxycinnamic acid naturally present in echinacea ( Echinacea purpurea ) as well as in other plants such as chicory and certain algae. This phenolic compound is studied for its antioxidant and immunostimulating properties , making it a sought-after quality marker in botanical extracts intended for nutraceutical use. Its concentration in an extract directly reflects the richness and value of the raw material, hence the importance of being able to quantify it precisely in the laboratory.

What is chicoric acid?
Chicoric acid belongs to the large family of hydroxycinnamic acids , a subgroup of plant polyphenols that also includes rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid. Like most of these compounds, it plays a protective role in the plant and exhibits strong antioxidant activity. In echinacea, it is one of the key analytical markers for assessing the quality of an extract. Its concentration varies considerably depending on the species, the part of the plant used (root, aerial parts), the harvest time, and the extraction method, making its measurement essential for objectively determining the true composition of a batch.

Why measure chicoric acid?
Chicoric acid measurement addresses concrete challenges for nutraceutical and plant extract manufacturers. It ensures the standardization of an extract, guaranteeing a consistent active ingredient content from batch to batch, a crucial condition for the reliability of a dietary supplement. It also serves for quality control of raw materials upon receipt, comparison between suppliers, and the detection of any under-concentration or degradation related to storage. For echinacea extracts sold for their antioxidant or immune-support claims , having a reliable analytical value strengthens product credibility and secures the business relationship.

Which analytical method?
Analysis is generally performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD), the reference method for phenolic compounds, or by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) when increased sensitivity or specificity is required. HPLC-DAD is well-suited to concentrated extracts and allows for reliable quantification at a controlled cost, while LC-MS is preferred for complex matrices or low concentrations. A sample preparation (extraction, filtration) precedes the analysis to eliminate interfering substances. Our team will guide you toward the configuration best suited to your matrix and your objectives.

Related Analyses: Chicoric acid is one of the many phenolic compounds we analyze. If you are characterizing plant extracts , you may also want to explore our analysis of rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and carnosol , all members of the hydroxycinnamic acid family, as well as our biochemical and structural characterization of biomolecules . Our blog articles on polyphenol and flavonoid analysis provide further details on these methods. This service primarily serves the nutraceutical and plant sectors .

Why choose YesWeLab?
At YesWeLab, we collaborate with a rigorously selected network of laboratories, most of which are certified and/or accredited (ISO 17025, COFRAC). These laboratories are chosen based on your specific needs, the matrices to be analyzed, and the analytical techniques or methods . If you have any particular requirements , please do not hesitate to specify them in your request: our scientific team will do everything possible to respond accurately and promptly. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and engineering firms have entrusted us with the management of their analyses, sending us their samples through our digital platform. To learn more or submit a specific request, contact our team today.