Ligustilide (phthalide) dosage

Ligustilide is a natural phthalide found primarily in the roots of Chinese angelica (Angelica sinensis) , also known as Dong quai . It is the main aromatic and bioactive compound in this medicinal plant, which has been used for centuries in Asian pharmacopoeia for its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties .
Besides angelica, ligustilide is also found in other species of the genera Ligusticum , Cnidium , and Apium , giving extracts their characteristic odor and relaxing effects on the smooth muscle system.

The dosage of ligustilide is therefore an essential standardization criterion for plant extracts and food supplements based on medicinal roots.

Interest and objectives of the assay

Quantitative analysis of ligustilide allows us to:

• Standardize extracts of medicinal plants rich in phthalides (Angelica sinensis, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Apium graveolens).
• Check the quality and stability of the extracts during storage or heat treatments, as ligustilide is a volatile and heat-sensitive compound.
• To verify the regulatory and analytical compliance of plant-based food supplements or wellness products.
• Evaluate the potential bioactivity of the formulations, including their antispasmodic and relaxing effects.

animal nutrition products or veterinary phytotherapy , the determination of ligustilide also makes it possible to assess the safety of use and the stability of plant extracts used as natural additives .

Analytical methods used

At YesWeLab , the measurement of ligustilide relies on high-performance chromatographic techniques.

HPLC-DAD (high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection) : This method is the most common for the quantification of ligustilide in plant extracts, powders, and liquid formulations. It offers excellent precision and reproducibility.

LC-MS or LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) : used for the specific detection of ligustilide in complex or low-concentration matrices. It allows ligustilide to be distinguished from its isomers or oxidation products.

GC-MS (gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) : recommended for essential oils or volatile extracts rich in phthalides. This method provides a detailed structural identification of the compounds, in accordance with ISO 11024 and Chinese Pharmacopoeia .

All these techniques are carried out in partner laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 and COFRAC , guaranteeing traceability, reliability and international comparability of results.

Industrial and scientific applications

Ligustilide dosage is essential in several sectors of activity.

Nutraceuticals and phytotherapy:
Quality control and standardization of Dong Quai extracts, validation of active ingredient content in food supplements, and evaluation of chemical stability during storage or drying. These analyses allow manufacturers to ensure batch consistency and compliance with pharmacopoeia specifications.

Animal nutrition:
Analysis of plant extracts included in formulations intended for muscle relaxation, oxidative stress management, or digestive comfort. Ligustilide levels are measured to ensure the safety and efficacy of the natural additives used.

Research and development
Pharmacokinetic and phytochemical studies on the bioavailability of ligustilide, evaluation of its role in synergies between volatile compounds and active ingredients, identification of oxidized derivatives of phthalide in crude extracts.

Affected matrices

• Dry or hydroalcoholic extracts of Angelica sinensis roots
• Medicinal plant powders
• Essential oils rich in phthalides
• Dong Quai-based food supplements
• Wellness formulations and natural nutrition products

Recommended Related Analyses

For a complete characterization of medicinal plant extracts rich in bioactive compounds, YesWeLab recommends combining ligustilide analysis with other complementary analyses:
Ferulic acid analysis to quantify antioxidant phenols associated with angelica;
butylidenephthalide analysis for the simultaneous analysis of other phthalides in the plant;
and verbascoside (acteoside) analysis to complete the antioxidant evaluation of complex extracts.

Why entrust your analysis to YesWeLab?

YesWeLab relies on a network of over 200 accredited partner laboratories , selected for their expertise in plant analytical chemistry. Our scientific teams support you in defining methods, validating your protocols, and interpreting results.
Since 2020, YesWeLab has been recognized as a leading player in the centralized management of analyses for the nutraceutical and animal nutrition .

Need to analyze your Dong Quai or Chinese Angelica extracts? Contact YesWeLab for a quick quote and reliable analytical expertise in Ligustilide.