Quinine dosage

Quinine is a natural alkaloid derived from cinchona bark, historically known for its antimalarial properties and now used primarily as a bitter flavoring agent in soft drinks (especially tonic waters). In addition to its dietary use, quinine is also valued in nutraceutical formulations and plant extracts, due to its antipyretic, analgesic, and mildly sedative effects. Quinine dosage is essential to ensure regulatory compliance, safety of use, and standardization of extracts.

Why dose quinine?

Regulations strictly regulate the amount of quinine permitted in foodstuffs, particularly in soft drinks. Exceeding permissible levels may result in product recall or refusal to market the product. Furthermore, quinine can cause adverse effects in sensitive individuals, including hearing or visual disturbances at high doses. For manufacturers of beverages, dietary supplements, or herbal preparations, reliable dosage allows them to:

• Validate quinine concentrations in finished products
• Meet European regulatory requirements (Regulation (EU) No. 1333/2008)
• Check the conformity of cinchona extracts
• Evaluate the quality of raw materials and ensure batch consistency

Analytical methods used

Quinine is measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), often coupled with UV detection (HPLC-DAD) or mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for lower levels or complex matrices. These techniques allow for accurate quantification, efficient separation of isomers, and high sensitivity.

Analytical protocols generally include a hydroalcoholic extraction adapted to the nature of the matrix (liquid, powder, concentrated extract), followed by a chromatographic separation on a C18 column and specific detection at 230-250 nm or by mass spectrometry in MRM mode.

Affected matrices

Quinine dosage applies to a wide range of industrial matrices:

• Tonic and carbonated drinks: checking compliance with maximum authorized concentrations
• Cinchona extracts: standardization for use in phytotherapy or cosmetics
• Food supplements: dosage in capsule, powder or liquid formulations
• Plant powders: raw material analysis for quality control

Industrial applications

The dosage of quinine is of interest to several industrial sectors:

• Food industry: regulatory control and quality of flavored drinks
• Nutraceutical sector: standardization of extracts for wellness capsules or powders
• Phytotherapy: validation of plant extracts used in traditional preparations
• Cosmetics: use of quinine in certain hair lotions or toning products

Our analytical services

At YesWeLab , we offer quinine testing through our network of partner laboratories, selected for their expertise and compliance with quality standards (ISO 17025, COFRAC accreditation). Each analysis is carried out using a method adapted to your technical requirements and your matrix.

Our teams support you from method selection to results interpretation, with the ability to compare different batches or suppliers. We can also integrate quinine measurement into a comprehensive polyphenol profiling or plant extract characterization service, in addition to flavonoid, hydrolyzable tannin, or caffeine measurement, depending on your needs.

Go further

For additional analyses of your plant extracts or nutraceutical formulations, also discover our associated services:

• Caffeine Dosage
• Total flavonoids assay
• Naringin Dosage
• Punicalagin dosage

Get a personalized quote

Need a fast, compliant, and reliable quinine assay? Contact YesWeLab. Our platform allows you to submit your analysis request in just a few clicks, track progress, and retrieve your results online. Describe your needs to us: we'll direct you to the most appropriate method and the laboratory best suited to your matrix.