The botanical extract industry has entered an era of refined bio-efficacy. Ajuga Extract (typically derived from Ajuga decumbens or Ajuga turkestanica) has surged from a traditional East Asian remedy to a core element in the global sports nutrition, longevity science, and cosmetic sectors. The primary driver of this movement is Turkesterone, an ecdysteroid that acts as a natural adaptogen, supporting muscle synthesis, recovery, and metabolic health without the hormonal disruptions associated with synthetic compounds.
Globally, consumers are pivoting toward plant-derived active compounds that are clean-label, sustainably sourced, and clinically verified. As researchers uncover the broad physiological profile of Ajuga, modern formulations are extending beyond basic fitness applications to include anti-stress and age-management integrations, increasing demand across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific markets.
• Ecdysteroid Standardization: Shift towards HPLC-validated Turkesterone (2% to 10%) as the primary commercial benchmark.
• Natural Anabolic Alternatives: Growing regulatory restrictions on synthetic hormonal compounds drive brands to clean, plant-based pathways.
• Bioavailability Enhancements: Development of complexed forms (e.g., Hydroxypropyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin complexes) to boost bioavailability.
Modern B2B buyers require detailed chromatograms and heavy metal analyses to ensure compliance with strict FDA, EFSA, and local food safety standards.
Brands require batch-to-batch consistency. Slight variations in active phytosteroids can compromise the efficacy of finished supplements.
Buyers seek factory-direct sourcing with annual capacities exceeding hundreds of metric tons to prevent stock shortages and stabilize pricing.
China’s botanical extraction industry has shifted from low-cost labor-intensive practices to advanced smart factories. At UniCare, our extraction facility operates with automated, intelligent systems that monitor heat, pressure, solvent ratios, and throughput in real-time. This dynamic processing model keeps solvent use efficient, prevents oxidation of sensitive active ecdysteroids, and ensures high yields.
With our automated setup, we process thousands of tons of raw materials annually. This operational capacity helps buffer global supply lines against natural crop variability, providing international clients with stable, competitive wholesale prices and reliable logistics.
UniCare is a dedicated supplier of natural active ingredients, with products used in dietary supplements, functional foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. We focus on product development and quality stability, partnering with customers globally to support healthy product formulations.
We work closely with certified Chinese manufacturers whose operations align with GMP, EU-GMP, CEP, ISO9001, ISO22000, and HACCP standards. Each factory maintains independent testing capabilities with advanced equipment to verify compliance and stability for every batch.
We invest heavily in high-standard production equipment, operating one of the largest plant extraction complexes in China. The entire production line is controlled by a modern, automated system. Today, we operate two GMP workshops housing six multi-functional extraction lines—including China's only acetone-process Ginkgo Biloba Extract line that complies with EU GMP standards.
Our facilities handle up to 30,000 tons of botanical raw materials annually. This operational scale allows us to efficiently manage large-scale commercial contracts while maintaining batch-to-batch quality control.
"We operate six industrial fermentation tanks (each with a 20-ton capacity) to support enzyme-modified production, expanding our capabilities beyond standard physical extraction."
We explore botanical compounds to identify and develop new value for health formulations.
We update extraction technologies and processes to optimize product efficacy.
We utilize modern refining equipment to deliver high-purity natural extracts.
We support sustainable cultivation practices that benefit local agricultural communities.
We maintain a comprehensive quality control system to ensure every batch of active ingredients meets established standards before leaving the factory. Using advanced testing instruments, we monitor a wide range of analytical points, including HPLC/UV signatures, solvent residues, GC-MS-MS pesticide screenings, ICP-MS heavy metal levels, and microbiological counts.
| Quality Control Item | Detailed Testing Parameters |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredient Analysis | Assay testing, chromatographic identification via HPLC/UV |
| Hazardous Substance Analysis | Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, copper) by ICP-MS, pesticide residues by GC-MS-MS, solvent residues by GC |
| Microbe Analysis | Total plate count, E. coli, yeasts & molds, pathogen screening |
| Raw Material Control | Pesticide residues, allergen screening, GMO testing, botanical identification |
| Regulatory Compliance | Continuous review of China, FDA, and EU regulation changes |
| Stability Testing | Accelerated and real-time stability studies to verify shelf-life |
| Physical Properties | pH value, moisture, ash, optical rotation, bulk density, particle size distribution |
Our analytical laboratory houses state-of-the-art instruments, including two UHPLC Agilent 1290 systems, four HPLC Agilent 1260 systems, two HPLC Shimadzu LC-20AT systems, two HPLC Dionex U3000 systems, two Shimadzu 2000ES evaporative light scattering detectors (ELSD), a Shimadzu GC2010 gas chromatograph, and a Shimadzu AA-7000 atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
| Analytical Equipment | Laboratory Equipment Fleet |
|---|---|
| UHPLC, Agilent 1290 | 2 Units |
| HPLC, Agilent 1260 / Shimadzu LC-20AT / Dionex | 8 Units |
| ELSD, Shimadzu 2000ES | 2 Units |
| GC, Shimadzu GC-2010 | 1 Unit |
| Atomic Absorption System, Shimadzu AA-7000 | 1 Unit |
We reinvest 10% of our annual net profit back into research and development. Beyond updating existing physical extraction processes, we run a dedicated department focused on natural fermentation. Through research in bio-fermentation, we develop natural ingredients with improved yield profiles.
We also partner with the Beijing University of Chemical Technology in the field of fermentation. This collaboration helps us take newly researched pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and functional food ingredients and scale them up for commercial manufacturing.
To manage raw material quality, we track our supply chain back to the growing fields. We monitor key parameters—like active compounds, moisture, ash, and heavy metals—at the source. We also work directly with local farmers and seedling companies to operate ginkgo, epimedium, phellodendron, and olive leaf planting bases, some of which follow GACP guidelines. This allows us to select high-content cultivars and manage raw material costs effectively.
Ajuga Extract is used in sports nutrition formulations, such as pre-workouts, muscle recovery capsules, and protein powders. Its phytoecdysteroids support recovery without hormonal side effects, making it a popular choice for clean-label sports supplements.
As an adaptogen, Ajuga Extract is blended into dietary supplements designed to support stress management and physical stamina. Its active compounds support metabolic health and physical endurance under stress.
In topical formulations, Ajuga Extract is used for its antioxidant properties. It is incorporated into creams and serums aimed at supporting skin barrier function and hydration.
Our standard Ajuga Extract is standardized to contain 2% and 10% Turkesterone as analyzed by HPLC. We can also customize specifications to meet specific formulation requirements.
We control our supply chain starting from raw material selection. Each batch undergoes testing at our CNAS-certified central laboratory using UHPLC systems. We verify active assays, trace heavy metals, pesticide residues, and microbial parameters before release.
Yes. Our partner manufacturing lines operate under GMP, ISO9001, ISO22000, HACCP, and Halal/Kosher frameworks. We provide complete documentation, including COAs, MSDS sheets, and botanical origin statements for customs clearance.
Yes. We supply ingredients in standard bulk configurations, such as 25kg drums, and can provide custom barrier packaging to protect hydroscopic powders during maritime shipping.
