Sanguinarine assay

Sanguinarine is an alkaloid belonging to the benzophenanthridine family, primarily extracted from plants such as Sanguinaria canadensis (blossom-nettle) and Chelidonium majus antimicrobial , anti-inflammatory , and antioxidant effects .

In herbal medicine, it is sometimes used in formulations for oral hygiene (gels, mouthwashes) or in topical products intended to soothe. However, due to its potential toxicity at high doses , controlling its concentration in extracts and finished products is essential.

Importance of measuring sanguinarine

Sanguinarine assay plays a key role for manufacturers of nutraceuticals, natural health products, and functional cosmetics. It allows them to:

• Ensure safe use in formulations by controlling the maximum permitted levels.
• Standardize plant extracts to ensure a homogeneous and reproducible composition.
• Support the functional claims (antimicrobial, soothing, antioxidant activity).
• Comply with regulatory requirements governing the use of plant alkaloids in food and cosmetic products.

Analytical methods used

The measurement of sanguinarine relies on precise and reliable chromatographic techniques:

• HPLC-DAD/UV : reference method for robust quantification in crude extracts.
• LC-MS/MS : a more specific and sensitive method, capable of detecting and quantifying the molecule even in trace amounts in complex matrices.

These approaches also make it possible to differentiate sanguinarine from other alkaloids present in the same plants, thus ensuring a selective and reliable analysis.

Affected matrices

Sanguinarine analysis can be applied to various plant matrices or finished products:

• Extracts of medicinal plants (Sanguinaria canadensis, Chelidonium majus).
• Cosmetic formulations : oral gels, lotions, dermal creams.
• Dietary supplements based on adaptogenic or detoxifying plants.
• Technical products incorporating natural extracts with antimicrobial properties.

Industrial applications

Controlling sanguinarine levels is particularly important for:

• Manufacturers of natural health products in order to guarantee safe use and avoid toxic concentrations.
• Cosmetics manufacturers who use plant extracts rich in alkaloids.
• The actors in phytotherapy , to standardize botanical extracts and strengthen their scientific credibility.

Related analyses in the YesWeLab catalog

Sanguinarine levels can be supplemented by other analyses of alkaloids and bioactive compounds:

• Assay of corynanthine , a plant alkaloid with adrenolytic activity.
• Assay of convallatoxin , a cardiotonic glycoside extracted from lily of the valley.
• Assay of emetine, an isoquinoline alkaloid with antiparasitic properties.
• Berberine dosage , another major plant alkaloid with antimicrobial properties.

These combined analyses make it possible to obtain a complete profile of the active plant ingredients present in a raw material or finished product.

YesWeLab Expertise

At YesWeLab, we work with a network of rigorously selected laboratories, accredited or certified according to international standards (ISO 17025, COFRAC). Our scientific team advises you on the method best suited to your needs, taking into account the matrices to be analyzed and specific regulatory requirements.

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting nutraceutical, cosmetic and plant extract manufacturers in their analytical processes, thanks to a centralized digital platform that allows you to easily manage your analyses, from ordering to results tracking.