Assay of medicagenic acid

Medicagenic acid (CAS 508-53-2) is a triterpene saponoside naturally occurring in alfalfa ( Medicago sativa ) and other legumes. It belongs to the pentacyclic acid family, known for its anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, and antimicrobial properties. In nutraceuticals and animal nutrition, it is used as a quality marker for plant extracts and as an indicator of potential biological activity.

Why measure medicagenic acid?

The measurement of medicogenic acid is essential for several industrial applications:

• Evaluation of the quality of alfalfa extracts used in human or veterinary nutrition
• Standardization of plant-based food supplements rich in saponins
• Development of functional formulations for digestive, cardiovascular or anti-inflammatory purposes
• Quality control of animal feed, particularly in the context of formulations enriched with bioactive plant extracts

This dosage is particularly relevant for manufacturers of natural supplements, fortified foods or plant-based nutritional additives, who are concerned with providing evidence of concentration of active ingredients.

Available analytical methods

YesWeLab offers the measurement of medicagenic acid using two reference methods:

• HPLC-DAD (high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection), a reliable and reproducible method suitable for simple to moderately complex matrices.
• LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry), recommended for complex matrices or low concentration.

These methods allow for precise detection, including in concentrated extracts, dry formulations or enriched animal matrices.

Matrices involved

The assay of medicagenic acid is suitable for several types of samples, including:

• Standardized plant extracts of alfalfa or related medicinal plants
• Dietary supplements in powder, capsule or liquid form
• Animal feed enriched with plant extracts or functional additives
• Fermented plant products, in the context of research on the bioavailability or transformation of saponins

Further analyses are available in the YesWeLab catalogue

The analysis of medicagenic acid is part of a broader quality control approach for plant extracts rich in saponins and triterpenes. Here are 4 additional analyses available in the YesWeLab catalog:

1. Madecassic acid dosage
   → Another major triterpenic compound in natural extracts, used in cosmetics and nutraceuticals.

2. Total saponin assay
   → A comprehensive method for evaluating all saponins in an extract. Essential for plant materials such as ginseng, fenugreek, or alfalfa.

3. HPLC profile of triterpenes
   → Provides a complete mapping of triterpenic acids in complex extracts, useful for product development or certification.

These analyses can be combined as part of a comprehensive control plan to ensure regulatory compliance, functional efficacy and stability of formulations containing plant-based active ingredients.

YesWeLab, your partner for saponoside analysis

Thanks to its network of specialized partner laboratories, YesWeLab supports you in carrying out precise and reliable analyses of saponins, triterpenes, and other plant compounds. All our partners are selected according to strict criteria of quality, accreditation (ISO 17025, COFRAC), and responsiveness.

We provide you with a secure digital platform to manage your analyses: ordering tests, tracking samples, receiving results, everything is centralized to save you time and ensure traceability.