Dosage of marrubiin (diterpene labdane)

Marrubiin is a labdane diterpene naturally present in white horehound ( Marrubium vulgare ), a traditional medicinal plant in the European Pharmacopoeia. Known for its expectorant, choleretic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, marrubiin is a major analytical marker used for the standardization and qualification of plant extracts for phytotherapeutic or nutraceutical use.

Why measure marrubiin?

The dosage of marrubiin is essential for:

• Validate the quality of white horehound extracts
• Quantify the major active ingredient in respiratory formulations
• Document the effectiveness of traditional or modern formulas
• Meet traceability, standardization and regulatory requirements
• Support R&D studies or marketing applications for food supplements

The presence of marrubiin is often sought in formulations for bronchial, digestive or hepatoprotective purposes, where it contributes to the overall effect of the plant.

Proposed analytical methods

Marrubiin analysis is carried out by:

• HPLC-DAD (diode array detection): robust and widely used method for routine quantification
• LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry): for finer detection or better selectivity in complex matrices

The methods are validated or validatable according to ICH or ISO 17025 criteria, with prior extraction optimized according to the nature of the sample (dry leaf, aqueous extract, liquid formulation, etc.).

Analyzed matrices

The dosage of marrubiin applies to a wide range of products of plant origin:

• Hydroalcoholic extracts of Marrubium vulgare
• Dried or powdered leaves
• Food supplements (capsules, syrups, tablets)
• Ready-to-use medicinal herbal teas or infusions
• Complex herbal formulations

Industrial and regulatory applications

Since white horehound is authorized for use in food supplements in Europe, the quantification of marrubiin helps ensure batch conformity, standardize extracts, and justify usage claims based on bibliographic data. The analysis is particularly valuable in the following ranges:

• Respiratory (expectorant, fluidifier)
• Digestive (biliary, tonic)
• Antioxidants (thanks to its diterpene skeleton)

Analytical data from marrubiin dosage are also useful in regulatory or certification files, particularly in the context of organic or clean label formulas.

Further analyses recommended

To strengthen the characterization of your plant extracts, you can combine the marrubiin dosage with:

• Verbascoside dosage – for plants with anti-inflammatory effect
• Total polyphenols assay – for overall antioxidant assessment
• Total flavonoid dosage – to complete the nutritional profile

Why choose YesWeLab for your plant-based dosages?

YesWeLab offers you a unique solution for centralized management of your analyses, relying on a network of certified and accredited laboratories (ISO 17025, COFRAC, etc.) in France and Europe. Thanks to our digital platform, you benefit from:

• A simple interface to order, track and view your results
• Personalized technical support
• Optimized timeframe depending on the nature of your samples
• With recognized expertise in medicinal plants and food supplements

Entrust us with your marrubiin dosage

Would you like to analyze the marrubiin content in your extracts or formulations?
Add this analysis to your quote or contact our scientific team to discuss your specific needs.