Dosage of esculin (coumarin)

Esculin is a natural coumarin extracted primarily from the horse chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum). Used for its venotonic, anti-inflammatory, and vasoprotective properties, it is an ingredient in many plant extracts, dietary supplements, and cosmetic formulations designed to improve microcirculation or promote skincare.

Esculin measurement is essential to guarantee the quality, safety, and conformity of finished products. In natural extracts, its concentration can vary significantly depending on the origin, extraction method, and processing conditions. Reliable quantification ensures adherence to product specifications, batch control, and regulatory compliance in the nutraceutical and phytotherapeutic sectors.

Industrial applications

The analysis of esculin concerns several professional sectors:

• Nutraceuticals: Standardization of horse chestnut extracts intended for vascular dietary supplements
• Phytotherapy and medicinal plants: quality control of standardized powders and extracts
• Cosmetics: formulation of gels, creams and serums aimed at strengthening cutaneous microcirculation or reducing inflammation
• Functional ingredients: certification of raw materials to guarantee their purity and compliance with specifications

In finished products, it is used to verify the actual esculin content, validate a claimed dosage or identify the possible presence of coumarins in a complex matrix.

Analytical methods

Esculin is usually measured by liquid chromatography, a method suitable for plant molecules with high structural variability.

HPLC-DAD
is the reference method for plant extracts. It allows for efficient separation of coumarins and reliable detection via UV absorption.

LC-MS / LC-MS/MS
: This technique offers maximum sensitivity and is particularly recommended when concentrations are low or the matrix is ​​complex (cosmetics, concentrated extracts, multi-active mixtures). It also allows for the differentiation of esculin from other naturally occurring coumarin derivatives.

Depending on the nature of the product, solid-liquid extraction, SPE cartridge purification or simple dilution may be necessary to optimize the accuracy of the result.

Supported analytical matrices

• standardized dry extracts
• vegetable powders or granules
• cosmetic gels and creams
• plant-based solutions or dyes
• liquid or solid food supplements
• technical formulations containing coumarins

YesWeLab automatically selects the most suitable method based on the matrix, the desired sensitivity and the client's specifications.

Further analyses recommended

For plant-based or nutraceutical products containing esculin, several analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue are relevant and often performed in parallel:

Total polyphenol assay
Method adapted to extracts rich in phenolic compounds, often associated with coumarins.

HPLC analysis of specific coumarins or alkaloids.
Interesting for multi-active extracts or complex formulations.

Heavy metals in plant extracts
Recommended to ensure the conformity of products intended for human consumption.

Dosage of amino acids or plant bioactive compounds.
Useful for multi-ingredient formulations or enriched extracts.

Why go through YesWeLab?

YesWeLab supports manufacturers by simplifying access to the best analytical methods through a network of partner laboratories specializing in HPLC and LC-MS, accredited to ISO 17025 or COFRAC depending on the analysis. Our platform allows you to easily order and track your analyses, while our scientific team selects the laboratory best suited to your product, matrix, and regulatory requirements.

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been providing nutraceutical manufacturers, distributors and brands with a controlled solution to standardize their extracts, secure their raw materials and accelerate time to market.