Presently, there is a growing international market for standard Ayurvedic herbs in the field of health care. The fact that the Ashwagandha Extract 2.5% has made its way into modern health supplements and functional foods is proof of that! It is primarily because of this concentration that the end user will consistently receive a standardized serving of bioactive withanolides. As such, careful processing techniques are required to keep the beneficial fractions of Ashwagandha root. It is also expected that the Indian herbal extract market will be worth ₹4,500 crores by the end of 2026.
Researchers identified the botanical as an anti-stress herb, and its popularity is what started this massive growth. Due to its flexible properties and applications in the pharmaceutical sector, nutraceutical businesses today need this extract terribly. Companies seeking to control the health industry, for better or worse, will need technical expertise in its development.
What Is Ashwagandha Extract 2.5% and How Is It Manufactured?
Ashwagandha extract 2.5% is an herbal product for prolonging life and managing daily stress levels. Ashwagandha extract is a concentrated extract of the Withania somnifera plant, standardized to contain 2.5% withanolides. Generally, the processing includes a sophisticated water or hydroalcoholic extraction technique to draw out the withanolides from the dried root extract. The focus is on the root extracts because they have the highest amount of alkaloids & steroidal lactones.
The cost of ashwagandha roots in India varies between ₹250 to ₹400 per kilogram based on seasonal factors. By processing the roots into a fine powder, an Ashwagandha extract manufacturer in India is able to develop a compound. This compound can be formulated in capsule and tablet forms. Furthermore, this powder is likely to exert a uniform physiological effect on the user due to its standardization.
What is the Step-By-Step Manufacturing Process for Ashwagandha Extract 2.5%?
Raw Material Selection and Cleaning
It all starts with the selection of quality ashwagandha roots, which have to be sourced from fertile land regions in India. Once selected, the roots undergo a thorough cleaning process to eliminate any soil, stones, or foreign matter. More precisely, the purification involves the use of water jets, along with vibration screens, to eliminate any impurities. This step is critical since any impurity may spoil the whole process. Consequently, a reputable Aswagandha extract 2.5% manufacturer ensures that only pure roots enter the grinder.
Grinding and Solvent Extraction
The roots are then crushed to grind them into a powdered form to increase the surface area for extraction. Subsequently, the powder is packed in large extractors made of stainless steel, where a solvent, either water or ethanol, is added. The mass is then heated at specific temperatures to dissolve the “withanolides” in the solvent. This procedure causes the solvent to become ‘miscella’ infused with phytochemicals. Therefore, choosing the right Ashwagandha extract suppliers in India is essential for ensuring solvent purity.
Filtration and Concentration
The liquid extract undergoes a series of filtration processes to separate the exhausted root fibers and insoluble matter. The resulting filtered liquid proceeds to a vacuum evaporator that removes the excess liquid at a low temperature. The vacuum evaporation step is essential since it prevents the active constituent from thermal decomposition. Consequently, a liquid paste called a soft extract is formed. This stage prepares the extract for final standardization.
Standardization and Spray Drying
At this critical point, laboratory technicians examine the concentrate to see whether it satisfies the Ashwagandha extract 2.5% requirements. Should its concentration be higher, a process of adding food-grade fillers, such as maltodextrin, resolves this problem. Subsequent to this, a spray dryer dries the standardized liquid, which quickly translates a liquid particle into a powder. This drying process guarantees that this powder has high solubility and a very long shelf life. Because of this, the final product remains stable during storage.
Final Sifting and Vacuum Packaging
The final powder is processed through various mesh sizes to achieve a uniform particle size for effective packaging. The final product will therefore be sealed in UV-protected, airtight bags to avoid moisture and oxidation. Since ashwagandha tends to absorb moisture, vacuum packaging must be used in the long-distance shipment of the product. Finally, the product will be labeled with reports and batch numbers for easy tracking. Thus, any Ashwagandha extract manufacturer in India must prioritize these finishing steps.
What Quality Standards and Certifications Apply to Ashwagandha Extract 2.5%?
- Must have a valid WHO-GMP certification to provide a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
- Compliant with ISO 22000:2018 for management of food safety throughout the entire supply chain.
- Ensure that the COA (Certificate of Analysis) for the Ashwagandha extract 2.5% is present for each batch.
- Make sure that it is tested for heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic below 10 ppm.
- Check if it is FSSAI-approved for Indian dietary supplements and functional drinks.
- Verify that the Aswagandha extract 2.5% manufacturer has Kosher and Halal certifications for export purposes.
- Look at the NON-GMO to conform to the healthy world market.
- Ensure that Ashwagandha extract suppliers provide you stability data for long-term storage.
What Are the Major Industrial Applications of Ashwagandha Extract 2.5%?
The popularity of this herbal ingredient makes it a leader in several high-end markets around the world. More specifically, it is a major active component in supplements designed for relieving stress and sleep aids. Since it also has properties of an antioxidant, it aids the body in regulating cortisol levels. Additionally, it can be found in water-soluble energy drinks and herbal teas offered by the Ashwagandha extract suppliers in India.
Indo Phytochem Pharmaceuticals is one of the leading manufacturers of ashwagandha extracts in India and offers extraction services for use as highly purified extracts. Further, it is now being adopted in the animal health sector as a pet supplement to relieve anxiety. Consequently, the market requirement for standardized extracts is increasing as different disciplines recognize physiological advantages.
Conclusion
Lastly, it can be stated that the use of a good quality Ashwagandha extract 2.5% is crucial in the development of effective products. At present, the market price per kg of this extract in Indian rupees ranges between ₹1,200 and ₹1,800. For those establishments that seek dominance, Indo Phytochem Pharmaceuticals provides the best packaged products after rigorous testing and evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why is 2.5% withanolide standardization critical for the effectiveness of Ashwagandha products?
Standardization is carried out to ensure that the drug contains an accurate fixed quantity of withanolides of 2.5% in every dose.
Q2: Which solvent is considered safest for the extraction process of Ashwagandha roots?
By far, pure water or food-grade ethanol is the safest solvent, as it leaves no toxic residue behind.
Q3: Can I find reliable bulk suppliers for Ashwagandha extract within the Indian market?
Yes, India is a hub for ashwagandha, and several certified exporters are offering ashwagandha in bulk form.