One number, two grades
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract is sold most often as a standard of withanolides, measured by HPLC. We supply ashwagandha at 2.5% and 5% withanolides, in powder form for capsules, tablets and blends. The higher grade contains more of the marker per gram, so the dose per serving changes with the grade.
A specification that reads "5% withanolides, HPLC" needs three facts to be meaningful: the marker, the method and the batch range. Without them, two offers cannot be compared.
Why the method matters
HPLC separates the individual compounds in the extract and measures them against a reference standard. A result by HPLC is therefore more specific than a total-content figure. When a supplier quotes a percentage without a method, ask which method was used and which reference standard was used to calibrate it.
The certificate of analysis should show the method, the marker and the result for each batch. If a certificate shows only a total extract figure, the grade cannot be verified against the specification.
Reading the grade in your formula
The grade and the dose work together. Take a target of 300 mg of extract per capsule:
- At 5% withanolides, each capsule carries about 15 mg of marker.
- At 2.5%, each capsule carries about 7.5 mg of marker.
The formulation decision follows from these numbers, not from the grade alone. Use the same arithmetic for any marker-based extract, and check the result against the specification your customer's regulator or buyer requires.
What to request with every offer
1. The Latin name and the plant part on the certificate. Ashwagandha is supplied from root. 2. The marker, the method and the result range for each lot. 3. The solvent and the extraction method. 4. The allergen and GMO statements, available on request. 5. A sample with its documents, before you commit to a production run.
Formula and market notes
An ingredient that is well documented on paper still needs checks for your market. The EU novel food and food supplement rules differ from country to country, and a label claim has to match the authorised wording. We recommend that a regulatory consultant reviews the final label before launch.
For the powder itself, ask about moisture and storage. Keep the original sealed packaging in a cool, dry place, away from light, and reseal opened containers promptly.
Next step
Tell us the grade, the quantity and the format. We reply with prices and documents within one hour on business days, and you can request a sample for your own tests.