The Alfalfa Powder Extract 10:1 with the INCI Medicago Sativa is a versatile raw material for the cosmetic and food industry. It is obtained from the whole plant, extracted using ethanol and water, and provided as a powder on a maltodextrin carrier base. With its characteristic saponin profile, the extract is aimed at formulators developing antioxidative and detoxifying concepts. This is a conventional commodity.
Triterpene Saponins as Analytical Key Markers
The phytochemical profile of the Alfalfa Powder Extract is defined by triterpene saponins. The primary focus is on medicagenic acid glycosides, which according to the CDS are present in the product at an indicative concentration of 35 to 180 mg/g. This range is calculated from the saponin content of the starting plant material (0.5 to 2 percent), the concentration factor of the 10:1 extract, and a recovery of 70 to 90 percent. In addition, the CDS documents soyasaponins at a share of 2 to 5 percent.
At a use level of 2 percent, the extract delivers a calculated 0.70 to 3.6 mg/g saponins in the finished formulation. For food applications, the CDS states a content of 0.44 to 2.3 mg/g saponins at a use level of 1.3 percent. These figures facilitate analytical classification and specification definition during raw material selection.
Further Documented Compounds
In addition to the saponins, the CDS identifies vitamins K and C as documented components. The isoflavonoid medicarpin is also present, with its content listed as low in the CDS. For medicarpin, the data sheet cites antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and capillary-strengthening properties. The molecular targets described include ROS scavenging, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), and modulation of NF-kB.
Documented Efficacy Profile for Cosmetic Formulations
In the cosmetic context, the CDS focuses on ROS scavenging, MMP inhibition, and NF-kB modulation. Detoxifying is listed as a regulatory-supported cosmetic claim under EU Regulation 655/2013, based on the phytochemical profile and published literature. The extract is therefore suitable for formulations targeting an antioxidatively oriented profile with a detoxifying positioning. The regulatory framework for cosmetic application is EU Regulation 1223/2009.
Use in Food and Functional Food Applications
The Alfalfa Powder Extract is suitable for both cosmetic and food applications and is vegan. In the food sector, the CDS references the potential as a nutritive antioxidant with relevance to metabolic health and the reduction of oxidative stress. The recommended use concentration here is 0.5 to 2 percent in functional food and beverages. The regulatory framework is EU Regulation 1924/2006; health-related claims are therefore subject to the requirements defined therein and must be verified by the respective party placing the product on the market.
Product Form, Specification, and Processing
According to the TDS, the extract is a brown powder with a characteristic color and characteristic odor. The extract ratio is 10:1 (80 to 99 percent alfalfa extract), the botanical origin is China, and the whole plant is used. From a safety perspective, the product is not classified as a hazardous substance under Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 and is not a dangerous good. The recommended use concentration for cosmetics according to the CDS is 1 to 3 percent, with a general recommendation of 2 to 5 percent. Shelf life is 24 months when stored dry and cool in the original sealed container.
Documentation and Sourcing for B2B Customers
TDS, SDS, and CDS are available for raw material qualification via our technical documentation. The Alfalfa Powder Extract is part of our range of classic plant extracts. Formulators requiring carrier or specification adjustments will find options in the contract synthesis section. You can review the raw material itself here: View Alfalfa Powder Extract 10:1 (Medicago Sativa) in the CONIUNCTA® Shop.
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