Premium active ingredients manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities with full quality certification
Sophora Radix Extract, botanically derived from the roots of Sophora flavescens Aiton (commonly known as Ku Shen in traditional Chinese medicine), has transitioned from an ancient herbal remedy to a vital, high-value raw material in the global life sciences, agricultural, and cosmetic sectors. Highly prized for its rich concentration of quinolizidine alkaloids—specifically Matrine and Oxymatrine—this extract has garnered substantial interest from research institutes and multinational industrial corporations alike.
Currently, the global market for Sophora Radix Extract is experiencing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) driven by the shifting demand toward natural, plant-based functional molecules. In agriculture, it serves as a powerful, biodegradable bio-pesticide that meets stringent organic cultivation criteria. In the cosmetic industry, its documented anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, and skin-brightening properties have positioned it as a premium additive for advanced skincare formulations. Furthermore, pharmaceutical developers continue to study its therapeutic potential in viral hepatitis, cardiovascular pathologies, and oncology treatments, fueling a steady demand for high-purity, standardized API-grade supplies.
Clinical studies target its hepatoprotective effects and immunomodulatory pathways. High-purity Oxymatrine is utilized as a vital precursor in therapeutic drug formulations.
With global restrictions on synthetic chemical pesticides, Matrine-based agricultural solutions offer zero-residue pest management for organic food production systems.
Exceptional efficacy in inhibiting Cutibacterium acnes and down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, satisfying the clean-beauty market's demands.
Your Trusted Global Supplier of Natural Active Ingredients
UniCare is a professional supplier of natural active ingredients. Our products are widely used in various fields such as dietary supplements, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. We focus on product development and quality stability, and insist on growing together with our customers around the world.
UniCare has deep cooperation with several excellent Chinese manufacturers who have complete quality management system certifications, including but not limited to GMP, EUGMP, CEP, ISO9001, ISO22000, and HACCP. Each factory has independent testing capabilities and is equipped with advanced and efficient testing equipment to ensure the high quality and long-term stability of each batch of products.
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Driving innovation, stability, and societal value in the botanical extraction industry
Unlocking the hidden bio-active potential of plants to address modern health and agricultural challenges globally.
Constantly optimizing extraction yields, molecular purification steps, and testing protocols to lead the market.
Leveraging state-of-the-art technological setups to manufacture standardized botanicals of unmatched consistency.
Prioritizing sustainable farming, ecological bio-diversity, safe workplace standards, and active community enrichment initiatives.
Unrivaled hardware infrastructure and automated controls for global logistics and processing stability
UniCare attaches great importance to the hardware conditions of production equipment and partner networks. Our associated infrastructure represents one of the largest and most advanced extraction capacities in China. The entire production sequence is monitored and optimized through modern, intelligent, automated control networks to guarantee batch-to-batch homogeneity.
Our manufacturing footprint features two GMP-compliant workshops housing six multi-functional industrial extraction lines. Among these is the only extraction line in China utilizing a sophisticated acetone-based purification process for Ginkgo Biloba Extract that is fully compliant with EU-GMP specifications. Auxiliary lines handle professional fermentation processes and custom sizing, allowing a processing capability of over 30,000 tons of raw botanical input annually.
China GMP certified facilities and operating environments.
Certified EU-GMP & CEP standard manufacturing capacity.
Automated control and computerized monitoring across all active extraction phases.
High-efficiency extraction setups including dynamic countercurrent systems.
Annual capacity of 30,000 tons of raw material processing.
Six operating extraction lines, featuring three annular dynamic countercurrent setups (10t & 15t capacity) and two multi-functional structures.
Exclusive EU-GMP standard acetone extraction line operating in mainland China. Six 20-ton capacity industrial fermentation tanks for enzyme-modified bio-transformations.Rigorous chemical, biological, and physical analytics ensuring compliance with international monograph standards
To support global supply chains, UniCare has instituted an advanced quality management program that governs every stage of our processing cycle. Each batch of Sophora Radix Extract undergoes exhaustive analytical validation. Standard operating procedures dictate the screening of active profiles (Matrine & Oxymatrine content), solvent residues via Gas Chromatography (GC), pesticide remnants through GC-MS-MS, and heavy metal concentrations (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) via Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Our analytical facilities span a specialized central laboratory that is qualified to CNAS standards. Outfitted with state-of-the-art analytical equipment, our testing teams accurately characterize physical attributes like tap density, moisture levels, ash contents, particle distribution, and microbial load parameters (including yeasts, molds, and pathogen identification).
| Quality Parameter / Item | Methodology & Analytical Instrumentation Used |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredient Analysis (Matrine & Oxymatrine) | Quantitative Assay via HPLC-DAD / UHPLC, qualitative TLC profiling |
| Heavy Metal & Trace Elements (Pb, As, Cd, Hg, Cu) | ICP-MS (Agilent/Shimadzu Atomic Absorption Systems) |
| Pesticide Residues & Solvent Residues | Gas Chromatography tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS-MS / GC-FID) |
| Microbial & Biological Testing | Total Plate Count, Yeast & Mold, E. Coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus |
| Physical Characteristics | Bulk Density, Particle Size distribution, Ash Content, pH, Moisture Loss on Drying |
| Stability Assessment | Controlled chamber tests under stress, accelerated, and long-term storage conditions |
Our primary lab contains dedicated, state-of-the-art instruments to run multi-phase validation studies:
Scientific collaboration and GAP-aligned supply chain management from farm to extraction
UniCare systematically invests 10% of our annual net profit into Research and Development. In addition to continuous refinement of our industrial extraction processes, we operate a dedicated research department focusing on microbial fermentation of natural precursors. Our technical strategy aims to introduce bio-catalyzed conversions that yield novel bioactive compounds.
Our long-term collaboration with the Beijing University of Chemical Technology has accelerated the development and commercialization of new pharmacological, cosmetic, and nutritional compounds from laboratory bench-scale to full commercial production.
To control raw material safety and quality, we run a comprehensive procurement and tracing program that maps each manufacturing batch directly back to its cultivation plot. Raw inputs undergo extensive laboratory intake screening to confirm active constituent concentrations and verify the absence of residues.
Through strategic partnerships with local farmers and agricultural co-operatives, we have established dedicated raw material cultivation bases—including Ginkgo Biloba, Epimedium, Phellodendron, and Olive Leaf plantations. Several of these bases are managed in strict adherence to GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practices). Collaborative breeding programs with biotechnology partners focus on selecting and cultivating crop strains that offer higher natural yields of desired bio-actives, lowering unit production costs for our global clients.
Advancing green chemistry, high-purity isolation, and eco-friendly processing technologies
The industrial processing of Sophora flavescens roots has evolved from simple maceration procedures to modern extraction techniques designed to optimize active alkaloid recovery while minimizing ecological impact. The traditional approach relies on ethanol-water extraction systems followed by acid-base adjustment and organic solvent purification steps. While effective, modern market demands require cleaner processes that reduce hazardous waste and maximize target molecule yields.
Our engineering teams are focusing on next-generation extraction strategies, including Supercritical CO2 Extraction with polar modifiers, and Membrane Filtration Separation systems. These methods minimize heat exposure, preventing chemical degradation and ensuring that highly sensitive molecules remain stable. Furthermore, our collaboration with academic institutes focuses on optimizing microbial fermentation. This technique converts raw Matrine derivatives into high-purity Oxymatrine or other specialized alkaloids, opening new opportunities for pharmacological applications.
Transitioning to food-grade ethanol and water systems, coupled with closed-loop recycling, to minimize environmental impact and lower manufacturing carbon footprints.
Implementing multi-stage ceramic membrane filtration to separate high-molecular-weight impurities at ambient temperatures, protecting active alkaloids from thermal stress.
Adopting advanced chromatographic resin columns to isolate Matrine and Oxymatrine up to 98% purity, meeting strict international pharmaceutical specifications.
Providing custom formulations, standardized powders, and expert technical support for international trade
As a leading supplier and exporter of natural active ingredients, UniCare provides customized logistics and formulation support to clients in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. We provide various specifications of Sophora Radix Extract—from crude powder concentrates for agricultural applications to high-purity HPLC-tested powders for dietary supplements and cosmetics.
All exports are accompanied by complete documentation, including Certificates of Analysis (COA), safety data sheets (SDS), technical datasheets, allergen statements, and pesticide/heavy metal testing reports. Our supply chain team handles customs clearance and international logistics to ensure on-time delivery to your production facilities.
In-depth technical answers regarding Sophora Radix Extract specifications, applications, and regulatory status
The primary pharmacological components of Sophora Radix (Sophora flavescens) are quinolizidine alkaloids, with Matrine and Oxymatrine being the key markers. Other related alkaloids include Sophocarpine, Oxysophocarpine, and Anagyrine. For standardization, products are typically analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to verify these active concentrations.
Matrine acts as a natural, low-toxicity contact and stomach poison for insects. Once targeted pests come into contact with or ingest the compound, it inhibits their central nervous system, leading to paralysis and death. Because it is naturally derived, it breaks down quickly under solar radiation and microbial action, leaving no chemical residues on crops.
Yes, it is highly suitable for cosmetics. Its rich alkaloid and flavonoid content helps soothe inflammation, balance sebum production, and inhibit acne-causing bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes. It is also utilized in brightening formulations due to its potential to inhibit tyrosinase activity, helping to even out skin tone.
Every batch of raw root material is checked before entering our production lines. The final extract is analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Hg) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS-MS) for pesticide screens. Testing conforms to EU Regulation 396/2005 and USP guidelines.
Our production partners hold key international quality certifications, including GMP, EU-GMP, CEP, ISO 9001, ISO 22000, and HACCP. This ensures our manufacturing facilities meet the strict requirements of pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic customers globally.
Pure Matrine is soluble in water, ethanol, chloroform, and toluene, but only slightly soluble in ether. Oxymatrine, being the N-oxide derivative, is highly hydrophilic, dissolving easily in water and polar organic solvents like ethanol, but is insoluble in petroleum ether and non-polar solvents.
Because the extract powder is hygroscopic, it should be stored in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. When stored properly, it has a shelf life of up to 24-36 months.
Yes, we provide custom processing services. We can adjust extraction solvent ratios, modify active marker concentrations, and utilize custom milling to achieve specific particle size distributions for your production needs.
Chemically, Oxymatrine is the N-oxide derivative of Matrine. Within the plant, they can convert into one another under specific oxidation-reduction conditions. While both exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, Oxymatrine is more commonly studied for antiviral and immunological applications, whereas Matrine is widely used in agricultural formulations.
Our partnership helps bridge academic research with industrial manufacturing. This collaboration allows us to develop more efficient purification methods, validate compound safety and efficacy, and scale up new biological compounds to meet growing commercial demand.
Providing high-purity, standardized plant actives for diverse global applications
