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Alantolactone

Elecampane Extract (Inula Helenium Extract): Inulin and Alantolactone in Three Carrier Variants

Alantpflanze (Inula helenium) mit gelber Blüte und Wurzel als Ausgangsmaterial für den Alant Extrakt

The Elecampane Extract (INCI: Inula Helenium Extract) is derived from the plant Elecampane (Inula helenium) and is available from CONIUNCTA® in three water-based or water-soluble carrier variants: Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, and Pentylene Glycol. The product is of conventional quality, exists in liquid form, and is aimed at formulators and product developers in the cosmetic and food industries. Two characteristic ingredient groups are at the heart of this extract: the polysaccharide inulin and the sesquiterpene lactone alantolactone.

Inulin as a Quantified Lead Marker

The primary marker of the Elecampane Extract is inulin, a polysaccharide from the fructan group. The indicative content in the product is 4.9 to 13.9 mg/mL. In the dry drug mass, values of 20 to 44 % are reported in the literature (ESCOP Monographs, 2nd). Inulin is therefore the quantitatively dominant marker of this extract and serves as the reference value for characterizing the individual carrier variants.

In addition to inulin, the extract contains the sesquiterpene lactone alantolactone. No fixed concentration is specified for this in the product; however, the CDS states that at an extract use level of 2 %, approximately 98.0 to 278 µg/mL of alantolactone are present in the formulation on a calculated basis.

Documented Activity Profile for Cosmetics

In the cosmetic context, the CDS assigns the properties anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, and soothing to alantolactone. At the molecular level, NF-κB and IKK-β are cited as targets. Within the claim framework under EU Regulation (EU) No. 655/2013, the claim areas Astringent, Balancing, Pore-refining, and Skin-plumping are additionally listed. These statements originate exclusively from the dossier and are to be used in accordance with cosmetic regulations.

The extract is suitable for cosmetic applications in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, is free from fragrance allergens subject to declaration under Annex III, and is suitable for vegan formulations. The recommended use concentration according to the product data sheet is 2 to 5 %; the CDS additionally cites a range of 1 to 3 % for cosmetic applications.

Use in Functional Food and Beverages

For the food sector, the CDS lists suitability as a Nutritional Antioxidant and as a traditional dietary ingredient, as well as thematic references to Metabolic Health and oxidative stress reduction. The Glycerin carrier variant is intended for these applications. The recommended use concentration in functional food and beverages is 0.5 to 2 %; at 1.3 % extract use, calculated values of 61.3 to 174 µg/mL result in the formulation. The terms stored as marketing keywords have not been reviewed under regulatory law and are not presented here as substantiated effects.

Carrier Variants and Their Composition

The three variants differ in their standardization and carrier medium, and therefore in their suitability for different formulation systems:

  • Glycerin variant (INCI: Glycerin, Inula Helenium Extract): anhydrous glycerin (≥ 99.5 %) as carrier, approx. 70 % of the finished product; extraction solvent is purified water, which does not remain in the final product. This variant is also suitable for food applications.
  • Propylene Glycol variant (INCI: Aqua, Propylene Glycol, Inula Helenium Extract): water approx. 40 %, extract approx. 30 %, Propylene Glycol approx. 30 %.
  • Pentylene Glycol variant (INCI: Aqua, Pentylene Glycol, Inula Helenium Extract): water approx. 50 %, extract approx. 30 %, Pentylene Glycol approx. 20 %.

Regardless of the variant, the extract content is approximately 30 %. The products are clear liquids with a characteristic color (amber to light brown) and a relative density of 1.03 to 1.06. pH, density, and refractive index of each batch are documented in the CoA. We explain more about our gentle process on the AVE Technology page.

Handling, Storage, and Documentation

According to the SDS, the Elecampane Extract is not a hazardous substance under Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 and is not classified as dangerous goods for transport (ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA). It is classified in storage class 12 (non-flammable liquids, TRGS 510). The shelf life is 24 months when stored dry between 10 and 30 °C in the original sealed container. Storage-related color changes, turbidity, or precipitation may occur; filtration is possible in such cases and does not impair quality. All batch-specific parameters as well as TDS, SDS, and CDS are available via our technical documentation.

Sourcing and Classification within the Portfolio

The Elecampane Extract is part of our classic plant extracts; the Glycerin variant is additionally assigned to the Glycerin extracts. For formulation projects, our technical team provides support in selecting the appropriate carrier variant and the associated documentation. View Elecampane Extract in the CONIUNCTA® shop.

CONIUNCTA® - Raw materials, data, and services for future-proof formulations.