1. Hydroxy-alpha-sanshool Extract – Premium Natural Plant Active Ingredient | AIHerba®
Hydroxy Alpha Sanshool Extract | GMP-Certified Ingredient for Sensory Foods & Cosmetic Innovation
Hydroxy-alpha-sanshool extract is a high-purity bioactive alkylamide derived from Zanthoxylum species (Sichuan pepper), widely used in functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications. AIHerba®, a GMP-certified natural plant extract manufacturer in China, provides bulk, wholesale, and OEM/ODM Hydroxy-alpha-sanshool with verified quality, complete COA, and traceable supply chains. Our extracts are standardized for consistent potency, stability, and safety, supporting formulators and industry professionals seeking reliable sensory modulators and flavor-active compounds. With over 28 years of R&D and production expertise, AIHerba ensures professional technical support, fast delivery, and customized solutions for B2B partners worldwide.
2. Product Overview
-
Product Name: Hydroxy-alpha-sanshool
-
Latin Name / Source Plant: Zanthoxylum bungeanum / Zanthoxylum species
-
CAS Number: 20227-37-0
-
Appearance: Light yellow to brown fine powder
-
Purity: ≥98% HPLC
-
Solubility: Soluble in ethanol, DMSO; partially soluble in water
-
Form: Powder
3. Mechanism of Action & Functional Benefits
-
Sensory modulation: Activates TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels for tingling and numbing sensations in food and topical formulations.
-
Flavor enhancement: Provides natural pungency and unique sensory profiles in functional beverages, seasonings, and gourmet applications.
-
Functional applications: Ideal for use as a food additive, nutraceutical active, and cosmetic sensory enhancer, delivering standardized bioactive effects.
-
Stability: AIHerba’s extraction and drying technology ensures minimal degradation, preserving bioactivity for industrial formulation use.
4. Traditional Applications & Modern Usage
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Traditional Food & Spice | Used historically in Asian cuisines for flavor and mouthfeel modulation. |
| Nutraceuticals & Supplements | Formulated in capsules, tablets, and functional powders. |
| Topical Cosmetics | Incorporated into skincare for sensory modulation in massage gels and balms. |
| Food & Beverage | Enhances flavor in sauces, beverages, and seasoning blends. |
Recommended dosage: 0.01–0.05% in food & beverage formulations (by weight) or as per specific formulation guidelines.
5. Product Specification & COA
A. General Specification
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥98% |
| Appearance | Light yellow to brown powder |
| Odor | Characteristic, mild |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, DMSO |
B. Pesticide Residues
| Name | Limit | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Organochlorine | ≤0.01 mg/kg | GC-MS |
| Organophosphorus | ≤0.01 mg/kg | GC-MS |
| Pyrethroid | ≤0.01 mg/kg | GC-MS |
C. Heavy Metals
| Name | Limit | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | ≤0.5 mg/kg | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤0.2 mg/kg | ICP-MS |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤0.1 mg/kg | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤0.2 mg/kg | ICP-MS |
D. Microbial Limits
| Name | Limit | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Total Plate Count | ≤1000 CFU/g | AOAC 990.12 |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤100 CFU/g | AOAC 997.02 |
| E. coli | Negative | AOAC 991.14 |
| Salmonella | Negative | AOAC 2004.03 |
6. Production Process
AIHerba® Hydroxy-alpha-sanshool Production Workflow:
-
Raw Material Selection: Verified Zanthoxylum species leaves and seeds.
-
Extraction: Ethanol-water extraction under controlled temperature.
-
Filtration & Concentration: Remove impurities, concentrate active compounds.
-
Drying: Low-temperature spray or vacuum drying to maintain activity.
-
Standardization: HPLC testing for ≥98% purity.
-
Quality Control: COA verification for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial safety.
-
Packaging & Storage: Food-grade, moisture-proof, light-proof packaging.
7. Storage, Shelf Life & Packaging
-
Storage: Cool, dry, dark environment (≤25°C, <60% RH)
-
Shelf Life: 24 months from production
-
Packaging Options: 1kg, 5kg, 10kg foil bags; custom OEM packaging available
-
Sample Policy: Small samples available for evaluation
-
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 1 kg
8. Clinical Research & Latest Studies
-
PubMed Reference: TRPV1 activation by hydroxy-alpha-sanshool
-
NIH Clinical Overview: Natural Pungent Compounds in Functional Foods
-
Recent studies show sensory modulation effects in food and topical applications without systemic toxicity, supporting B2B usage in functional formulations.
9. Applicable Industries & Use Cases
| Industry | Application Example |
|---|---|
| Food & Beverage | Seasonings, sauces, functional drinks |
| Nutraceuticals | Capsules, powders, herbal blends |
| Cosmetics | Massage gels, lip balms, topical sensory enhancers |
| Pharmaceuticals | Sensory studies in topical formulations |
10. Usage Instructions & Formulation Guidelines
-
Incorporation: Dissolve in ethanol or suitable solvent before mixing into formulation.
-
Dosage: 0.01–0.05% in final product, adjust based on sensory intensity.
-
Formulation Tips: Compatible with neutral pH, avoid high-temperature prolonged exposure.
-
Best Practices: Test in small batches, verify sensory response.
11. AIHerba® Professional Factory Credibility
-
Experience: 28+ years in natural plant extraction & OEM/ODM
-
Certifications: GMP, ISO9001, HACCP
-
Quality Assurance: Full COA, traceable raw material sourcing
-
Custom Solutions: Flavor standardization, functional blends, bulk supply
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Q: Can I request a COA before placing an order?
A: Yes, AIHerba provides full COA for all production batches. -
Q: What is the typical MOQ for bulk orders?
A: MOQ is 1 kg, with customized packaging available. -
Q: Is Hydroxy-alpha-sanshool safe for food applications?
A: Yes, our extracts meet international pesticide, heavy metal, and microbial limits. -
Q: Can AIHerba assist with custom formulations?
A: Yes, OEM/ODM services support functional foods, beverages, and topical products. -
Q: How long is the shelf life?
A: 24 months when stored properly in a cool, dry place. -
Q: Which industries commonly use this extract?
A: Food & beverage, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sensory research.
13. References
-
AOAC Official Methods of Analysis
-
ISO 9001 / GMP Documentation, AIHerba Internal Standards
14. Contact & Procurement
AIHerba® | China Natural Plant Extracts Supplier & OEM Factory
-
Email: sales@aiherba.com | info@aiherba.com | liaodaohai@gmail.com
-
Website: www.aiherba.com
-
Social Media: Facebook | X / Twitter
We provide bulk, wholesale, and customized Hydroxy-alpha-sanshool for global partners, with professional guidance on formulation, regulatory compliance, and optimized supply chain support.





