Hydroxy Alpha Sanshool Extract | GMP-Certified Ingredient for Sensory Foods & Cosmetic Innovation
1. Product Overview
Hydroxy Alpha Sanshool is the primary active molecule responsible for the signature tingling, numbing, and mouthfeel sensation of Zanthoxylum bungeanum (Sichuan Pepper).
At AIHerba® (Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.), we produce high-purity Hydroxy Alpha Sanshool using GMP-certified extraction technology, ensuring consistent potency and traceable quality for cosmetics, functional foods, flavor houses, and dietary supplement manufacturers.
This ingredient is widely used in:
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Sensory beverages
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Innovative snacks
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Oral-care cosmetics
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Functional supplements
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Natural flavor enhancers
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R&D formulation projects
2.Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Hydroxy Alpha Sanshool |
| Source | Zanthoxylum bungeanum (Sichuan pepper) |
| Appearance | Light yellow to brown oily liquid / powder |
| Purity | Customized: 10%–65% by HPLC |
| CAS Number | 61281-38-7 |
| Sensory Strength | Tingling index: high |
| Extraction Method | Solvent extraction + purification |
| Solubility | Oil-soluble; dispersible in ethanol |
| Shelf Life | 24 months |
| Packaging | 1 kg / 5 kg / 25 kg |
3. Key Benefits & Functional Properties
✔ Sensory Stimulation (Paresthetic Effect)
Hydroxy Alpha Sanshool activates somatosensory receptors (KCNK channels), producing a tingling, buzzing, or numbing effect that enhances taste perception.
✔ Natural Flavor Enhancer
Boosts salty, citrus, floral, and savory profiles in food & beverage products.
✔ Cosmetic Applications
Provides a unique warming or tingling sensation for lip products, oral-care formulations, and massage serums.
✔ Functional Food Ingredient
May support appetite stimulation and digestive comfort (traditional use).
✔ Clean-Label Active
Plant-derived, free from synthetic tingling agents or artificial additives.
4. Health-Related Insights (Evidence-Based)
Research indicates that sanshool-type alkylamides interact with nerve fibers and TRP channels.
Relevant references:
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PubMed: Mechanisms of action of sanshools on sensory neurons (PMID: 19602535)
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NIH: Zanthoxylum species and their functional compounds
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FDA GRAS notices referencing Zanthoxylum extracts in flavoring applications
(Note: Not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure diseases.)
5. Traditional Use
Sichuan pepper has been used in East Asian cuisine and herbal preparations for:
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Stimulating appetite
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Supporting digestive function
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Enhancing flavor and food enjoyment
Hydroxy Alpha Sanshool represents the isolated, concentrated active compound behind this traditional profile.
6. Recommended Usage
| Application | Typical Dosage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flavoring in snacks | 5–300 mg/kg | Adjust based on target intensity |
| Beverage formulations | 2–50 mg/kg | Works well with citrus & floral notes |
| Cosmetic products | 0.01–0.3% | Tingling sensation lasts 10–60 seconds |
| Supplements | Based on formulation goal | Consult regulatory guidance |
7. Best Formulation Guidelines
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Pair with citrus, chili, ginger, floral terpenes for enhanced sensory synergy.
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Use encapsulation for stability in beverages.
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Avoid prolonged exposure to high heat.
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Combine with natural flavors in clean-label products.
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For cosmetic use, conduct patch testing during R&D.
8. Safety & Precautions
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Not recommended for infant food applications.
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Sensory intensity varies by individual; start low in formulations.
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Follow local regulatory limits for flavoring alkylamides.
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Store sealed to prevent oxidation.
9. Specifications (Example COA Table)
Values can be customized based on your required purity range.
9.1 Product Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Light yellow to brown oil |
| Purity (HPLC) | 10%–98% |
| Odor | Characteristic pungent, tingling |
| Solubility | Oil-soluble |
| Plant Part | Pericarp |
9.2 Pesticide Residue Testing
| Item | Limit | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Organophosphorus pesticides | ≤ 0.05 mg/kg | GC-MS |
| Organochlorine pesticides | ≤ 0.05 mg/kg | GC-MS |
| Carbamates | ≤ 0.1 mg/kg | LC-MS/MS |
| Pyrethroids | ≤ 0.05 mg/kg | GC-MS |
9.3 Heavy Metals
| Item | Limit | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 2.0 mg/kg | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1.0 mg/kg | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤ 1.0 mg/kg | ICP-MS |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 0.1 mg/kg | ICP-MS |
| Total Heavy Metals | ≤ 10 mg/kg | ICP-MS |
9.4 Microbiological Tests
| Item | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Total Aerobic Count | ≤ 1,000 CFU/g | GB 4789.2 |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤ 100 CFU/g | GB 4789.15 |
| E. coli | Negative | GB 4789.3 |
| Salmonella | Negative | GB 4789.4 |
| Staphylococcus aureus | Negative | GB 4789.10 |
10. Production Process
Step-by-Step Flow
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Raw material selection
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Cleaning & sorting
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CO₂ supercritical extraction
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Molecular distillation
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Fractionation & purification
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Dewaxing & odor removal
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Concentration
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Standardization of active content
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Filtration & sterilization
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QA testing & packaging
Our factory uses closed-loop extraction to preserve alkylamide integrity and avoid solvent residues.
11. Storage & Shelf Life
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Storage: Keep sealed, stored in a cool and dry place away from direct light.
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Shelf Life: 24 months unopened.
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Sensitivity: Avoid prolonged exposure to heat and oxygen.
12. Packaging Options
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1 kg aluminum foil bag
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5 kg / 10 kg vacuum pouches
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25 kg HDPE drum
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Customized packaging available
13. Sample Policy
We provide:
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Free sample herbal extract (10–20 g) for R&D evaluation
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Shipping at customer’s account or negotiable
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COA + MSDS + technical data sheet included
14. Shipping & MOQ
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MOQ: 1 kg (for standard purity)
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Bulk orders (≥ 25 kg) enjoy factory pricing
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Worldwide shipping by DHL, FedEx, air freight, or sea freight
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GMP-certified manufacturer with traceable lot numbers
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Suitable for wholesale distribution partners looking to buy high-purity actives at competitive price
15. Applicable Industries
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Food & beverage innovation
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Sensory science R&D labs
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Cosmetics & personal care
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Dietary supplements
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Natural flavor houses
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Functional foods
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Pharmaceutical health products
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Customized herbal extract formulations
16. Application Scenarios & Usage Ideas
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Sparkling tingling beverages
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Lip plumping serums
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Flavor-boosting drops
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Spicy snacks
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Functional candies
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Cocktail syrups
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Herbal tinctures
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Sports nutrition flavors
17. Why Choose AIHerba®
(1) Expertise: 10+ Years Extraction & Sensory Ingredient Manufacturing
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Proprietary extraction & purification method
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Stable sensitization index & sensory strength
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Widely used in food labs, beverage innovators, and global sensation-R&D companies
(2) Experience: Proven Applications in Global Product Formulations
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Used by RTD beverage brands to create tingling & cooling synergy
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Applied in confectionery, gum & sauces for sensory enhancement
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Utilized in cosmetics for tingling lip products & skin stimulation formulas
(3) Authority: Third-Party Testing & International Certifications
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COA, MSDS, HPLC fingerprint available
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ISO9001, HACCP, Halal, Kosher
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Conforms to relevant analytical standards under USP, FCC & GB
(4) Trust: Transparent Factory Information
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Manufacturer: Shaanxi Zhonghong Biotechnology / Aiherba
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Contact: sales@aiherba.com|info@aiherba.com
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Real production images, batch traceability, stable delivery capability
18. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Hydroxy Alpha Sanshool allowed in food applications?
Yes, Zanthoxylum extracts are commonly used as natural flavoring agents. Regulations vary by region—check your local standards.
Q2: Can you customize purity levels?
Absolutely. We offer 10%–98% active content for different cost and potency needs.
Q3: Do you support OEM/ODM formulations?
Yes. Our plant is a food-grade botanical extract supplier offering turnkey solutions.
Q4: How is the stability in beverages?
Stable in low-acid beverages when protected from heat and oxygen.
Q5: Do you provide documentation for import clearance?
Yes—COA, MSDS, TDS, commercial invoice, packing list, HS code, and more.
19. References
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PubMed: sensory neuron modulation by alkylamides
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NIH: functional compounds in Zanthoxylum species
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FDA GRAS flavoring references
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Peer-reviewed studies on sanshool bioactivity
20. Contact & Verification
AIHerba® | Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.
📧 sales@aiherba.com | info@aiherba.com | liaodaohai@gmail.com
🌐 www.aiherba.com
GMP-certified natural botanical extract supplier & manufacturer with global export capability.





