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 key analytical marker used for the standardization and qualification of plant extracts for phytotherapeutic or nutraceutical use.

Why measure marrubiin?

Marrubiin dosage is essential for:

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

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

Proposed analytical methods

Marrubiin analysis is performed by:

• HPLC-DAD (diode detection): a 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 pulverized leaves
• Dietary supplements (capsules, syrups, tablets)
• Ready-to-use medicinal herbal teas or infusions
• Complex plant-based formulations

Industrial and regulatory applications

Since white horehound is authorized for use in food supplements in Europe, quantifying marrubiin content ensures batch conformity, standardizes extracts, and substantiates usage claims based on published data. This analysis is particularly valuable in the following product lines:

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

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

Further analyses recommended

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

• Verbascoside dosage – for plants with anti-inflammatory effects
• Total polyphenol assay – for an overall antioxidant assessment
• Total flavonoid content – ​​to complete the nutritional profile

Why choose YesWeLab for your plant-based dosages?

YesWeLab offers a unique, centralized management solution for your analyses, leveraging a network of certified and accredited laboratories (ISO 17025, COFRAC, etc.) in France and Europe. Our digital platform provides you with:

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

Tell us your marrubiin dosage

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Add this analysis to your quote or contact our scientific team to discuss your specific needs.