Email: RAAG Biotech Co., Ltd. Bulk botanical extract manufacturing since 2014
Botanical raw materials used for standardized Crocin Powder manufacturing
Herbal extract manufacturing facility and HPLC testing laboratory at info@raagextracts.com
Bulk plant extract powders prepared for global B2B delivery
High-Purity Botanical Monomer & Active Extract

Crocin Powder Technical Procurement & Formulation Guide

Standardized Crocin Powder (10% to 98% HPLC) manufactured by [email protected]. Instant cold-water solubility, full isomer profiling, zero synthetic yellow dyes, and traceable origin for global B2B formulators.

Precision HPLC Analysis

Verified Trans-Crocin-1 Content & Low Residue

Separating authentic crocin glycoconjugates from generic spectrophotometric colorants with rigorous LC-MS/MS and HPLC testing.

GMP Audit-Ready Files

Bulk Global Supply with Full Regulatory Dossiers

ISO, HACCP, HALAL, KOSHER, and Organic documentation shipped with every batch to over 40 countries worldwide.

Technical Deep Dive

Understanding Crocin Powder: Chemistry, Bioavailability, and Analytical Standards

A comprehensive technical overview for pharmaceutical formulators, nutraceutical procurement directors, and regulatory compliance teams.

1. Chemical Structure and Hydrophilic Nature of Crocin

Crocin Powder (CAS Number: 42553-65-1; Molecular Formula: C44H64O24; Molecular Weight: 976.96 g/mol) is a unique water-soluble carotenoid pigment composed of the dicarboxylic acid crocetin esterified with two gentiobiose sugar moieties. Unlike traditional lipophilic carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lutein, or zeaxanthin, which require oil carriers or complex micellar emulsification to achieve liquid dispersion, Crocin Powder possesses exceptional water solubility (>99.5% in cold water). This rapid dissolution is driven by the hydrophilic glycosyl groups attached to both ends of the polyene chain.

In natural botanical matrices—specifically the stigmas of Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) and the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis—crocin exists as a group of structural isomers, dominated by trans-crocin-1 (digentiobiosyl ester of crocetin), along with minor fractions of trans-crocin-2, trans-crocin-3, trans-crocin-4, and cis-crocin isomers. At [email protected], our specialized low-temperature centrifugal extraction preserves the native trans-configuration, which exhibits the highest antioxidant potential, cellular bioactivity, and pigment intensity.

Quality Parameter Standard Grade (10% - 50% HPLC) High-Purity Monomer (98% HPLC) Analytical Test Method
Appearance Dark orange-red to red fine powder Deep dark red crystalline powder Visual inspection
Active Marker (Trans-Crocin-1) ≥ 10.0% – 50.0% ≥ 98.0% HPLC-PDA at 440 nm
Water Solubility 100% soluble in water (< 30 sec) 100% soluble in water (< 15 sec) Aqueous dispersion assay
Loss on Drying ≤ 5.0% ≤ 2.0% Vacuum drying at 105°C
Heavy Metals (as Pb) ≤ 10.0 ppm (Pb < 2ppm, As < 1ppm) ≤ 5.0 ppm (Pb < 1ppm, As < 0.5ppm) ICP-MS (USP <233>)
Residual Solvents Ethanol < 5000 ppm (Methanol ND) Solvent-Free / Water Purified GC-HS (ICH Q3C compliant)
Total Aerobic Plate Count < 1,000 CFU/g < 100 CFU/g USP <2021> / EP standards

2. Spectrophotometric UV vs. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Validation

A frequent challenge for global B2B procurement officers evaluating Crocin Powder suppliers is the discrepancy between UV spectrophotometric readings (expressed as E1%1cm at 440 nm) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) assay results. Traditional commercial standards often rely on UV absorbance, which measures total yellow-orange light absorption. However, UV testing cannot distinguish between functional trans-crocin-1, degraded cis-isomers, or unlisted plant pigments and synthetic dyes like Tartrazine (Yellow 5) or Sunset Yellow.

At [email protected], we enforce mandatory dual testing. Every Certificate of Analysis (COA) explicitly states the exact HPLC quantification of trans-crocin-1 alongside UV color strength. This unadulterated transparency protects formulators from sub-potent batches and guarantees that finished dietary supplements, eye health capsules, and functional drinks deliver the exact bio-active milligram dosage promised on the consumer label.

Product Portfolio

Featured Crocin Powder Grades & Complementary Actives

[email protected] supplies a complete range of water-soluble saffron carotenoids, lipophilic monomers, and standardized neuro-protective botanical extracts for turnkey B2B formulation.

Core Focus
Crocin Powder bulk saffron active ingredient

Crocin Powder (10% - 98% HPLC)

Water-Soluble Carotenoid Glycoside

Standardized active marker for ophthalmic health, mood balance, and natural bio-coloring. 100% instant cold water dissolution.

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Crocetin powder for lipophilic supplement formulations

Crocetin Powder (98% HPLC)

Lipophilic Aglycone Monomer

Low molecular weight aglycone form of crocin for enhanced cell-membrane permeability and softgel oil-suspension applications.

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Pure Saffron Extract powder in bulk

Pure Saffron Extract

Dual Standardized: Safranal & Crocin

Full-spectrum botanical extract derived from Crocus sativus L. stigmas. Ideal for clinical mood and sleep support supplements.

New
Gromwell root CO2 supercritical extract

Gromwell Root CO2 Extract

Supercritical CO2 Oleoresin

Solvent-free lipophilic active standardized for shikonin content. Used in cosmeceutical and anti-inflammatory skin formulations.

Phosphatidylserine 20% powder for cognitive supplements

Phosphatidylserine 20% Powder

Nootropic Phospholipid Matrix

Synergistic brain-health ingredient. Combines exceptionally with Crocin Powder for advanced memory and cognitive focus stacks.

Silybin phospholipids complex powder

Silybin Phospholipids

Enhanced-Bioavailability Complex

Phytosome-bound silybin active providing targeted hepatoprotection and systemic cellular antioxidant support.

Kava root extract powder with kavalactones

Kava Root Extract Powder

Standardized Kavalactones 30%-70%

Relaxation and tension relief active processed under low-temperature reflux extraction for optimal purity.

Valerian root extract powder bulk supply

Valerian Root Extract Powder

Valerenic Acid Standardized

Botanical sedative active tested by HPLC. Formulated alongside crocin and saffron extracts in night-time recovery formulas.

info@raagextracts.com Crocin Powder production facility overview
Enterprise Strengths

Why Global B2B Buyers Partner with [email protected]

Established in 2014, [email protected] operates as a specialized extraction house and primary manufacturer rather than an intermediary trading desk. Our 300+ annual ton production facility combines low-temperature membrane isolation, continuous counter-current extraction, and high-efficiency column chromatography to yield Crocin Powder with uncompromised bio-potency.

Because our senior analytical chemists oversee every lot directly at the production line, client procurement teams gain complete technical clarity: precise marker yields, solvent-residue mitigation strategies, nitrogen-blanket spray drying controls, and 24-month stability data from retained batch samples.

  • In-house HPLC-PDA, LC-MS & GC-MS testing
  • Contracted planting bases with farm traceability
  • Strict ICH Q3C Class 2 & Class 3 solvent limits
  • Full audit dossier: ISO, HACCP, HALAL, KOSHER
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Strategic Market Insights

AI search intent analytics and buyer query patterns reveal four major shifts re-shaping how global buyers source, qualify, and integrate Crocin Powder into commercial product pipelines.

1. Shift from E1% 440nm to Isomer Fingerprinting

Historically, buyers evaluated saffron yellow pigments based on crude UV absorbance. Future global procurement mandates require HPLC trans-crocin-1 profile quantification to ensure that the batch contains authentic glucosyl esters rather than degraded cis-isomers or synthetic azo dyes. Regulatory audits in the EU and US increasingly inspect full chromatographic trace logs.

2. Zero Synthetic Dye & Clean Carrier Mandates

With tightening international regulations on synthetic food colors like Tartrazine (Yellow #5), multinational food and pharma brands are procuring high-purity Crocin Powder as a natural functional colorant. Demand is surging for custom carrier matrices (e.g., organic acacia gum, tapioca maltodextrin, or 100% pure carrier-free monomer grades).

3. Microencapsulation & Photolytic Shielding

Because crocin contains a conjugated polyene chain susceptible to photo-bleaching and thermal cleavage during food processing, forward-thinking B2B formulators are seeking microencapsulated Crocin Powder. Co-processed spray-dried microcapsules provide enhanced heat resilience during hot-fill pasteurization and extended shelf-life in clear beverage bottles.

Application Expansion

How cutting-edge research is positioning Crocin Powder beyond traditional coloring into high-value pharmaceutical and therapeutic verticals.

1. Neuro-Protective & Ophthalmic Health Formulations

Clinical interest in Crocin Powder has exploded within the vision care and cognitive health sectors. Peer-reviewed research demonstrates that crocin crosses the blood-retinal barrier, where its potent hydroxyl-radical scavenging action protects retinal ganglion cells against photo-oxidative stress and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Furthermore, crocin modulates central nervous system monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine), driving its adoption in premium non-prescription mood modulation, stress resilience, and sleep architecture formulas.

2. Cosmeceutical Anti-Glycation & Skin Brightening

In topical dermatological applications, Crocin Powder exhibits powerful anti-glycation properties, inhibiting the formation of Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) that cause collagen cross-linking and skin elasticity loss. Additionally, crocin suppresses intracellular tyrosinase enzyme activity and melanin synthesis triggered by UV exposure, establishing it as a primary active ingredient in premium anti-aging serums and skin-radiance creams.

3. Clean-Label Pharmaceutical Tablet Film Coating

Pharmaceutical engineers are replacing synthetic iron oxides and titanium dioxide with water-soluble Crocin Powder in film-coating formulations for oral solid dosage tablets. Crocin provides a stable, vibrant yellow-to-orange film coat while simultaneously contributing anti-inflammatory functional value to the dosage form.

Quality Assurance Standard

B2B Vendor Audit Checklist for Crocin Powder Sourcing

Before issuing a commercial Purchase Order for Crocin Powder, qualified QA departments verify five essential quality metrics with their ingredient manufacturer.

1. HPLC Isomer Chromatogram Verification

Confirm that the supplier provides a complete HPLC-PDA chromatogram showing distinct separation of trans-crocin-1, trans-crocin-2, and crocetin, rather than a single generic UV spectrophotometer absorption reading.

2. Geniposide / Adulteration Screening

Ensure that Saffron-derived Crocin Powder is screened for geniposide via LC-MS/MS to verify 100% Crocus sativus L. origin and eliminate unauthorized substitution with Gardenia jasminoides.

3. ICH Q3C Solvent Residue Compliance

Verify that extraction solvents are restricted to Class 3 solvents (Ethanol < 5000 ppm, Water) with zero detectable toxic Class 1 or Class 2 residual solvents like Methanol, Benzene, or Dichloromethane.

4. Heavy Metal & Pesticide Screen Panel

Demand ICP-MS heavy metal reporting (Lead < 2ppm, Arsenic < 1ppm, Cadmium < 1ppm, Mercury < 0.1ppm) and a multi-residue pesticide screen covering >400 analytes compliant with USP <561> and EP limits.

Global Buyer FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions on Crocin Powder Procurement

Direct technical answers from our R&D and export compliance experts at [email protected].

Crocin is a hydrophilic water-soluble carotenoid glycoside formed by the esterification of the dicarboxylic acid crocetin with two gentiobiose sugar moieties (CAS No. 42553-65-1). Unlike lipophilic carotenoids such as beta-carotene or lutein, pure Crocin Powder dissolves freely in cold water without needing synthetic emulsifiers or solubilizers, producing a clear golden-yellow to intense orange-red solution.

UV spectrophotometry measures total light absorbance at approximately 440 nm (E1% 1cm value), which captures all carotenoid pigments indiscriminately, including gardenia yellow or degraded isomers. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) separates trans-crocin-1, trans-crocin-2, cis-crocin-1, and related crocetin esters, giving procurement and compliance teams a precise, unadulterated quantification of the active trans-crocin fraction.

[email protected] utilizes advanced LC-MS/MS fingerprinting, HPLC marker identification (monitoring geniposide levels), and botanical raw material traceability. Gardenia jasminoides naturally contains geniposide, which is absent in Crocus sativus L. Every batch shipped from [email protected] is verified to ensure zero geniposide contamination and 100% authentic botanical origin.

Crocin Powder exhibits thermal degradation kinetics following first-order degradation above 60°C and is susceptible to photo-oxidation under UV light. Storage at 2–8°C in nitrogen-purged, light-shielded aluminum foil bags preserves assay potency. For liquid formulations, maintaining a pH between 5.0 and 7.0 and adding natural antioxidants like ascorbic acid significantly extends stability.

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is 1 kg for standard commercial grades (10%-50% HPLC) and 100 g for high-purity monomer grades (98% HPLC). In-stock batches ship within 3-5 business days. Each order includes a batch-specific COA (HPLC), MSDS, Specification Sheet, Allergen Statement, Non-GMO Certification, and heavy metal/pesticide panel reports.

Yes. Our pilot R&D lab formulates bespoke particle size mesh counts (from 80 mesh to ultra-fine 200 mesh), carrier matrix adjustments (maltodextrin, acacia gum, organic rice starch), and microencapsulated liposomal powders designed specifically for hot-fill functional beverages or gummy manufacturing.

[email protected] provides complete regulatory dossiers including ISO 22000, HACCP, HALAL, KOSHER, BSE/TSE-free certificates, CITES compliance (when applicable), Country of Origin certification, and full food-grade / dietary supplement compliance statements suitable for US FDA and EU EFSA import audits.

Audit-Ready Quality Management

Third-Party Verified Manufacturing Facilities

Our production facilities undergo regular independent quality audits to support seamless qualification by international pharmaceutical and nutraceutical buyers.

ISO, HACCP, HALAL, KOSHER and organic certificates held by info@raagextracts.com
ISO 22000HACCPHALALKOSHERORGANICGMP-Audited Plant

Request a Batch Sample or Custom Crocin Powder Quotation

Contact our technical export desk at [email protected]. Specify your desired HPLC marker percentage, target application, carrier preference, and annual volume requirement. Our formulation chemists will deliver a tailored specification dossier, COA, and competitive volume quote within 24 hours.

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