Dosage of steroidal saponins (as beta-ecdysone)

The measurement of steroidal saponins , and more specifically beta-ecdysone (or ecdysterone, CAS No. 5289-74-7), is a standard analysis in the field of medicinal plants and nutraceutical ingredients. This natural compound, belonging to the ecdysteroid family, is recognized for its adaptogenic, anabolic, and metabolism-regulating properties. Present in several plant species such as Rhaponticum carthamoides (maral root), quinoa, and spinach, beta-ecdysone is now widely studied for its beneficial physiological effects and its contribution to overall well-being.

Principle and objectives of beta-ecdysone assay

The assay aims to quantify the concentration of steroidal saponins , particularly beta-ecdysone, in plant extracts, active ingredients, or dietary supplements. These compounds, derived from the triterpene pathway, possess a structure similar to that of steroid hormones, giving them marked biological activity.

This test allows you to:

• Control the quality and standardization of plant extracts rich in ecdysteroids;
• Verify the regulatory compliance of nutraceutical products containing natural active ingredients;
• Evaluate the purity and stability of the ingredients used in the formulation;
• Supporting the traceability and valorization of plant-based raw materials intended for the natural health industry.

Beta-ecdysone analyses are particularly important in research and development programs on adaptogenic plants , known to support the body's resistance to physical and mental stress.

Analytical methods used

The assay is generally carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) .

• HPLC -DAD (diode array detection) is used to separate and quantify beta-ecdysone from complex plant matrices.
• LC -MS/MS provides finer detection and specific identification of the compound, even at low concentrations.

These methods offer excellent reproducibility and high accuracy for quality control of natural extracts, plant powders and nutraceutical finished products.

Dies and industrial applications

The matrices typically analyzed are:

• Plant extracts rich in steroidal saponins (quinoa, maral root, cyanotis vaga, spinach, etc.);
• Botanical powders used as active ingredients in food supplements;
• Nutraceutical formulations ( capsules, softgels, functional drinks, powders);
• Samples of agricultural origin for production quality control.

Beta-ecdysone analysis is also applicable in the search for phytochemical markers for the authentication of plant species, as well as in the determination of the metabolic profile of natural extracts.

Technical characteristics and analytical requirements

Analyses are performed on methanolic or hydro-alcoholic extracts, filtered and purified before injection. Results are expressed in mg/g of dry extract or as a percentage of active substance.
Certified beta-ecdysone standards are used to establish calibration curves and ensure the reliability of the results.

These analyses are carried out by partner laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 and compliant with COFRAC , specializing in the physico-chemistry of natural compounds and the characterization of plant extracts .

YesWeLab Expertise and Support

nutraceutical and phytotherapeutic companies in implementing tailored analytical strategies. Through a network of expert laboratories and a centralized digital platform , YesWeLab facilitates the ordering, tracking, and delivery of analytical results within optimized timeframes.

Our scientific team guides you in choosing the method (HPLC, LC-MS/MS) best suited to your matrix and your regulatory or research objectives. Each service is customized according to the complexity of the samples and the desired detection thresholds.

Further analyses recommended

To complete the phytochemical profile of your extracts and ensure a comprehensive assessment of their biological activity, YesWeLab recommends the following analyses:

• Dosage of steroidal sapogenins (as sarsasapogenin)
• Total saponin determination
• Diosgenin dosage
• Total flavonoids assay
• Trigonelline dosage

These additional services make it possible to correlate the ecdysteroid content with other families of bioactive compounds and to optimize the characterization of plant extracts.

Contact YesWeLab today to schedule your beta-ecdysone analysis or to obtain a personalized quote. Our team is available to assist you with the qualification and valorization of your plant extracts.