What Is Zizyphus Spinosa Extract?
Zizyphus Spinosa Extract is a botanical ingredient derived from the seeds of Zizyphus jujuba var. spinosa, commonly known as Suan Zao Ren. It is widely used in dietary supplements, functional foods, and traditional herbal formulations, particularly in the sleep, mood, and relaxation categories.
From a B2B sourcing perspective, Zizyphus Spinosa Extract is valued for its clear botanical identity, well-studied phytochemical profile, and stable global demand across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific markets.
Botanical source & active compounds
The raw material is the dried mature seed of Zizyphus spinosa. Key naturally occurring compounds include:
- Jujubosides (A & B) – triterpenoid saponins often used as identity or activity markers
- Flavonoids – such as spinosin
- Alkaloids & polysaccharides – contributing to the overall phytochemical complexity
These compounds are documented in peer-reviewed literature and pharmacopoeial references, without positioning the extract as a pharmaceutical substance.
Scientific references:
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI / PubMed)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Zizyphus+spinosa - NIH Botanical Dietary Supplements Research Center
https://ods.od.nih.gov/
Common commercial forms (powder / ratio extract)
Commercially, Zizyphus Spinosa Extract is supplied in:
- Fine powder extract (spray-dried or vacuum-dried)
- Ratio extracts (e.g., 5:1, 10:1, 20:1)
- Optional standardized extracts based on jujubosides or spinosin
Powder form is the most common for capsules, tablets, and sachets due to ease of formulation and stability.
Key Specifications Buyers Should Know
Understanding technical specifications is critical for regulatory compliance, formulation stability, and batch reproducibility.
Extraction ratio & solvent
Typical extraction parameters include:
- Extraction ratios: 5:1, 10:1, 20:1
- Solvents: Water or water-ethanol blends
- Processing: Controlled temperature extraction to preserve heat-sensitive compounds
Solvent selection impacts color, solubility, and phytochemical profile, making it a key point to confirm with suppliers.
Active markers (if applicable)
While not always required, some buyers request marker compounds for internal quality benchmarks:
- Jujubosides (total or individual)
- Spinosin
Marker testing is typically used for identity confirmation rather than therapeutic standardization, helping reduce regulatory risk in EU and US markets.
Moisture, heavy metals, microbiology
Typical control ranges:
- Moisture: ≤ 5%
- Heavy metals:
- Lead (Pb) ≤ 3 ppm
- Arsenic (As) ≤ 2 ppm
- Cadmium (Cd) ≤ 1 ppm
- Mercury (Hg) ≤ 0.1 ppm
- Microbiology:
- Total plate count, yeast & mold, E. coli, Salmonella compliant with USP / EP standards
Quality Control & COA Parameters Explained
Reliable suppliers treat quality control as a system, not a single test.
HPLC / TLC testing
- TLC is commonly used for botanical identity verification
- HPLC provides quantitative or semi-quantitative analysis of marker compounds
Testing methods should be validated and traceable, with clear method references listed on the COA.
Batch-to-batch consistency
Consistency is ensured through:
- Standardized raw material sourcing
- Controlled extraction parameters
- In-process testing during concentration and drying
This is especially important for private label and OEM customers requiring long-term supply stability.
COA sample explanation
A professional COA typically includes:
- Product name & botanical Latin name
- Batch / lot number
- Test items & specifications
- Test methods
- Results & pass/fail status
- Authorized QA signature
Clear COA formatting reduces compliance review time for buyers and auditors.
GMP Manufacturing Process Overview
A transparent production process is one of the strongest indicators of supplier reliability.
Raw material sourcing
- Verified botanical origin
- Supplier audits and incoming inspection
- Cleaning, sorting, and identity confirmation before processing
Extraction & concentration
- Controlled solvent extraction
- Filtration and concentration under reduced pressure
- In-process QC checkpoints
Drying & packaging
- Spray drying or vacuum drying
- Sieving and blending for uniform particle size
- Packaging in food-grade, moisture-protected containers
Manufacturing under GMP conditions minimizes contamination risks and ensures regulatory alignment.
How to Choose a Reliable Zizyphus Spinosa Extract Supplier
GMP & certifications
Key certifications to look for:
- GMP (dietary supplement or food grade)
- ISO 22000 / HACCP
- FDA facility registration
- EU compliance documentation
MOQ & lead time
Typical commercial terms:
- MOQ: 25–100 kg depending on specification
- Lead time: 2–4 weeks for standard grades
Flexible MOQ and stable lead time indicate mature production planning.
Documentation support
A professional supplier should provide:
- COA
- MSDS / SDS
- Specification sheet
- Allergen statement
- Non-GMO declaration
Strong documentation support significantly reduces onboarding friction for brand owners and distributors.
FAQ – Zizyphus Spinosa Extract
Is Zizyphus Spinosa Extract legal in the US and EU?
Yes, when produced under GMP and used in accordance with dietary supplement regulations.
Is this extract standardized?
It can be supplied as either a ratio extract or a marker-referenced extract, depending on buyer requirements.
Does it require novel food approval in the EU?
Currently, Zizyphus Spinosa seed has traditional use history; regulatory assessment should still be conducted case-by-case.
Can it be used in capsules and tablets?
Yes, powder extract form is suitable for most solid dosage forms.