The Extract Factory is a specialized manufacturer and global supplier of standardized botanical extracts serving the dietary supplement, sports nutrition, and functional food industries. Our Spinach Extract Ecdysterone is a premium-grade, plant-derived ingredient obtained from Spinacia oleracea L. leaves and analytically verified by HPLC to deliver the batch-to-batch consistency that formulation scientists, contract manufacturers, and bulk procurement teams require.
What Is Spinach Extract Ecdysterone?
Spinach Extract Ecdysterone Powder is a concentrated botanical preparation containing ecdysterone (20-hydroxyecdysone), a naturally occurring phytoecdysteroid found in select plant species. Unlike synthetic analogs, this extract is derived entirely from vegetable matter through controlled botanical extraction and standardization processes. Its plant-based origin makes it a strategic candidate for clean-label supplement lines, vegan sports nutrition portfolios, and active-lifestyle wellness products seeking non-synthetic ingredient profiles.
Raw Material Provenance & Agricultural Controls
Raw spinach leaves (Spinacia oleracea L.) are procured from established agricultural cultivation zones with monitored agronomic practices. Each incoming botanical lot undergoes macroscopic and organoleptic identity confirmation prior to extraction, ensuring authentic plant origin and uniformity of the starting material. This traceability framework—from field documentation to processing batch records—forms the foundation of finished product consistency and supply chain transparency for professional buyers.
Manufacturing Process & Extraction Technology
The production sequence follows a controlled, multi-stage protocol designed to preserve active marker integrity:
- Raw Material Selection & Inspection — Botanical identity, foreign-matter screening, and moisture evaluation of incoming spinach leaves.
- Controlled Extraction — Optimized solvent extraction parameters designed to selectively concentrate phytoecdysteroids while minimizing unwanted co-extractives.
- Filtration & Purification — Multi-phase removal of extraneous plant matter, particulates, and waxy fractions.
- Vacuum Concentration — Gentle thermal processing to reduce solvent volume without degrading thermally sensitive compounds.
- Spray Drying — Atomization into a uniform, free-flowing powder matrix under defined inlet and outlet temperature parameters.
- Analytical Verification — HPLC quantification of ecdysterone content before release.
- Packaging & Sealing — Immediate packing into designated bulk formats under environmental controls to limit moisture uptake.
Active Compound Profile & Physicochemical Properties
- Active Constituent: Ecdysterone (phytoecdysteroid class)
- Appearance: Yellow to brown fine powder with characteristic botanical odor and taste
- Particle Size: 95% passes through an 80-mesh sieve; reference batch data confirms 98.2% passage, facilitating homogeneous blend distribution in powdered formulations
- Bulk Density: 0.40–0.70 g/mL (reference batch: 0.56 g/mL), supporting accurate capsule fill-weight calculations and dosage uniformity
- Moisture: ≤5.0% (reference batch: 3.21% by Karl Fischer method), enhancing stability against microbial proliferation and clumping
- Ash: ≤5.0% (reference batch: 2.46% by AOAC methodology), indicating controlled mineral and inorganic carryover
- Solubility Profile: Demonstrates partial water solubility and compatibility with hydroalcoholic delivery systems, adaptable to capsules, tablets, powder premixes, and liquid functional beverages
- Stability: Chemically stable under recommended storage conditions; a 24-month shelf life is established through monitored stability protocols when the material is protected from light, heat, and moisture
Analytical Quality Assurance & Safety Screening
Every production batch is subjected to comprehensive QC testing aligned with dietary supplement ingredient standards:
- Active Marker Quantification: Reversed-phase HPLC for ecdysterone content verification against authenticated reference standards
- Heavy Metal Panel: ICP-MS analysis for lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, with total heavy metals controlled to ≤10 ppm
- Microbiological Examination: USP <61> methodology for total aerobic microbial count, yeast and mold enumeration, and specific pathogen screening (E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus)
- Residual Solvent: GC analysis per USP <467> general chapters
- Pesticide Residue: Multi-residue GC-MS screening evaluated against European Union maximum residue levels
- Mycotoxin Control: Aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxins quantified by HPLC methodology
Product Specifications Summary
| Parameter | Specification | Methodology |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical Source | Spinacia oleracea L. Leaf | Organoleptic / Macroscopic |
| Active Ingredient | Ecdysterone | HPLC |
| Standardization | 10%, 50% (custom specifications available) | HPLC |
| Appearance | Yellow to brown fine powder | Visual Inspection |
| Odor & Taste | Characteristic | Organoleptic |
| Particle Size | 95% through 80 mesh | Sieve Analysis |
| Moisture | ≤5.0% | Karl Fischer |
| Ash | ≤5.0% | AOAC |
| Bulk Density | 0.40–0.70 g/mL | USP Gravimetric |
| Total Heavy Metals | ≤10 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Solvent Residue | Meets USP requirements | GC |
| Microbiological Standards | USP compliant | USP <61> |
| Pesticide Residues | Meets EU requirements | GC-MS |
| Aflatoxin B1 | ≤5 ppb | HPLC |
| Total Aflatoxins | ≤10 ppb | HPLC |
| Shelf Life | 24 months under proper storage | Stability Testing |
| Minimum Order Quantity | 0.5 kg | — |
| Sample Availability | Available upon request | — |
Typical COA Data Reference
For procurement and R&D evaluation, the following analytical results represent verified batch performance:
| Test Item | Specification | Result | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Spinach Extract Ecdysterone Powder | Complies | HPLC / Internal Method |
| Botanical Source | Spinacia oleracea L. | Complies | Identification |
| Plant Part Used | Leaf | Complies | Organoleptic Examination |
| Appearance | Yellow to Brown Fine Powder | Complies | Visual Inspection |
| Odor & Taste | Characteristic | Complies | Organoleptic Method |
| Ecdysterone Content | ≥10.0% | 10.35% | HPLC |
| Identification | Positive for Ecdysterone | Positive | HPLC |
| Particle Size | 95% Pass 80 Mesh | 98.2% Pass 80 Mesh | Sieve Analysis |
| Moisture Content | ≤5.0% | 3.21% | Karl Fischer Method |
| Ash Content | ≤5.0% | 2.46% | AOAC Method |
| Bulk Density | 0.40–0.70 g/ml | 0.56 g/ml | USP Method |
| Solvent Residue | Meets USP Requirements | Complies | GC |
| Total Heavy Metals | ≤10 ppm | 3.12 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤1.0 ppm | 0.18 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤1.0 ppm | 0.12 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤0.5 ppm | 0.05 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤0.1 ppm | 0.01 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Total Plate Count | ≤10,000 CFU/g | 850 CFU/g | USP <61> |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤1,000 CFU/g | 120 CFU/g | USP <61> |
| E. coli | Negative / 10g | Negative | USP Method |
| Salmonella | Negative / 25g | Negative | USP Method |
| Staphylococcus aureus | Negative / 10g | Negative | USP Method |
| Pesticide Residues | Meets EU Requirements | Complies | GC-MS |
| Aflatoxin B1 | ≤5 ppb | <1 ppb | HPLC |
| Aflatoxins Total | ≤10 ppb | <2 ppb | HPLC |
| Residual Solvents | Conforms to USP <467> | Complies | GC |
| Packaging | 25 kg/Fiber Drum with PE Bag | Complies | Visual Inspection |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months Under Proper Storage | Complies | Stability Test |
Industry Applications & End-Use Markets
Spinach Extract Ecdysterone is strategically positioned for B2B supply across multiple nutrition categories:
- Sports Nutrition Supplements: Protein powders, amino acid complexes, and post-workout recovery blends
- Muscle Support Formulas: Hard-shell capsules, tablets, and softgels positioned for active adult demographics
- Pre-Workout Systems: Synergistic inclusion in stimulant-free and pump-focused pre-workout matrices
- Functional Foods & Beverages: Smoothie bases, nutritional bars, and fortified drink mixes
- Plant-Based & Clean-Label Nutrition: Vegan-compliant product lines seeking non-synthetic, botanical performance ingredients
- Active Lifestyle & General Wellness: Dietary supplements targeting mobility, resilience, and physical conditioning
Formulation Compatibility & Technical Guidance
This standardized extract exhibits favorable compatibility with common nutraceutical carriers and actives, including:
- Protein isolates and concentrates (whey, pea, hemp, rice)
- Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and essential amino acid complexes
- Carbohydrate matrices such as maltodextrin and palatinose for intra-workout formulas
- Plant-based premixes, greens blends, and superfood powders
- Standard tableting and encapsulation excipients (microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide)
Formulators should conduct in-house compatibility studies when combining this extract with hygroscopic bases or acidic flavor systems. Wet granulation processes should minimize thermal exposure to preserve particle morphology and active marker stability.
Packaging, Storage & Handling Recommendations
- Primary Packaging: 25 kg fiber drums fitted with internal polyethylene (PE) liner bags to provide moisture and light barriers
- Alternative Quantities: Custom batch sizing and repackaging are available for toll manufacturers and mid-size brands, with an MOQ starting at 0.5 kg
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry warehouse environment away from direct sunlight and ignition sources. Maintain relative humidity below 60%.
- Handling Best Practices: Ensure drum seals remain intact after partial use; reseal inner liners promptly to prevent oxidative and hygroscopic degradation
- Shelf Life: 24 months from date of manufacture when stored under the stated conditions
Documentation & Procurement Support
The Extract Factory provides comprehensive documentation packages to streamline your purchasing and regulatory workflows:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) per batch
- Product Specification Sheets for R&D and QC reference
- Stability & Handling Guidelines
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) upon request
Our technical sales team offers integration guidance for contract manufacturers, private-label brands, and international distributors developing sports nutrition and functional food lines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Spinach Extract Ecdysterone Powder?
It is a botanical extract standardized for ecdysterone content, derived from the leaves of Spinacia oleracea L. It serves as a plant-derived active ingredient in dietary supplements and functional nutrition products targeting the sports nutrition and active wellness segments.
What standardization levels do you offer?
We routinely supply Spinach Extract Ecdysterone standardized to 10% and 50% ecdysterone by HPLC. Custom concentration levels and excipient blending can be arranged for contract manufacturing partners.
How is the ecdysterone content verified?
Quantitative analysis is performed via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) using authenticated reference standards to ensure accurate potency declaration and specification compliance.
Do you provide COA and regulatory documentation?
Yes. Each bulk batch ships with a comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA), product specification sheet, and supporting quality documentation suitable for professional ingredient procurement, importer compliance, and finished product dossier preparation.
Which industries and product categories use this ingredient?
Predominantly dietary supplement manufacturers, sports nutrition formulators, functional food developers, and brands operating in the plant-based wellness and active nutrition sectors.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Our flexible B2B supply model accommodates MOQs starting at 0.5 kg for sampling and pilot production, scaling to multi-ton volumes for commercial manufacturing campaigns.
Request a Sample & Bulk Quotation
The Extract Factory supplies high-purity, analytically verified Spinach Extract Ecdysterone powder to manufacturers, distributors, and formulation houses worldwide. For current batch-specific COAs, competitive bulk pricing, sample requests, and technical consultation, contact our ingredient specialists at [email protected].









