Astragaloside Detection

High‑Precision Astragaloside Detection – Quantification & Profiling in Botanicals, Extracts & Formulations

You are searching for astragaloside detection because you need to perform this assay—whether to standardise Radix Astragali extracts, verify astragaloside IV content in dietary supplements, monitor marker compounds in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations, or meet pharmacopoeial compliance (Chinese, USP, or EP). We provide a complete analytical service that delivers absolute quantitation, congener profiling, and batch‑to‑batch consistency for astragalosides I, II, III, IV, and isoastragaloside IV.

What We Detect – From Astragaloside IV to Complete Saponin Fingerprints

Our astragaloside detection goes far beyond simple TLC or colorimetric methods. Using ultra‑high performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection (UHPLC‑ELSD) and high‑resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC‑Q‑Orbitrap™), we quantify astragaloside IV down to 0.2 ng/mL with linear dynamic range of three orders of magnitude. We simultaneously measure astragaloside I, astragaloside II, astragaloside III, isoastragaloside IV, and cycloastragenol – the key bioactive and quality markers. For complex matrices (root powders, granules, capsules, oral liquids, TCM compound formulas), our targeted MRM (multiple reaction monitoring) method achieves LOQ of 1 ng/g in solid botanicals while resolving isobaric interferences. We also offer untargeted saponin profiling to identify minor astragaloside analogues and their glycosylation variants using full‑scan MS/MS data‑dependent acquisition (DDA).

How Deep We Go – Absolute Quantitation, Matrix‑Specific Clean‑up & Stability Assessment

We don't just report “astragaloside IV positive”. Our service includes isotope‑dilution mass spectrometry (ID‑MS) using deuterated astragaloside IV internal standard (d₃‑AST) for highest accuracy (recovery 98‑102%, RSD <3%). For challenging matrices (lipid‑rich capsules, honey‑based syrups, protein‑containing granules), we deploy online SPE‑LC‑MS/MS or molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) cleanup to eliminate matrix effects (<5% ion suppression). We also measure total astragalosides as sum of individual congeners and calculate ratio of astragaloside IV to astragaloside I/II – a marker of extraction efficiency and aging. For stability studies, we conduct forced degradation (hydrolytic, oxidative, thermal, photolytic) and monitor loss of malonyl‑ or acetylglycosides. Using supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) coupled with MS, we separate epimeric astragalosides that co‑elute on conventional C18 columns.

Why Our Astragaloside Detection Stands Out – Pharmacopoeial Alignment, High Specificity & Full Workflow Support

1. Multi‑standard reference library: We maintain 10 certified astragaloside reference standards (Phytolab, ChromaDex, or in‑house purified with NMR confirmation) – including astragaloside IV, I, II, III, iso‑IV, cycloastragenol, and four acetylated derivatives.
2. Method flexibility: We offer three orthogonal methods: UHPLC‑ELSD (simple, no chromophore needed), UHPLC‑UV at 203 nm (cost‑effective), and UHPLC‑MS/MS (maximum sensitivity). You choose based on your matrix and sensitivity requirement.
3. Proven for complex TCM formulas: We have successfully analysed astragalosides in Danggui Buxue Tang, Huangqi Jianzhong Tang, and Shenqi Fuzheng injections – resolving co‑elution with other saponins (astragaloside vs. glycyrrhizic acid, ginsenosides).
4. Regulatory compliance: Our protocols follow Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020, ChP) monograph for Astragali Radix and USP General Chapter <561> for botanical extracts. Reports include full system suitability, calibration curves, spike recoveries, and uncertainty.
5. Rapid turnaround & research support: Single sample quantitation: 48 hours. Batch analysis (up to 200 samples): 5‑7 business days. For discovery, we also perform LC‑MS guided fractionation to isolate unknown astragaloside‑like peaks for structure elucidation (NMR support available).

Who Relies on Our Astragaloside Detection – Real‑World Applications

Phytopharmaceutical companies use our service for raw material release and finished product stability testing – one client reduced batch rejection by 30% after we identified that low astragaloside IV was due to enzymatic degradation during drying, leading to process change. A TCM granule manufacturer validated 49 commercial batches against ChP limits; we flagged 12% with astragaloside IV below 0.040% (adulterated or over‑processed). A research group studying cycloastragenol as a telomerase activator used our quantitative MS method to correlate astragaloside IV conversion in acid hydrolysis, achieving 92% yield optimisation. A nutraceutical company launching an “astragaloside‑enriched” supplement had their label claims verified by our ID‑MS report, which was accepted by a third‑party certifier.

Ready to Run Your Astragaloside Detection?

Send us raw root powder (≥5 g), extract (≥500 mg), capsules (10 units), or liquid formulation (≥5 mL). We will perform optimised extraction (ultrasonic with methanol/water, or pressurised liquid extraction), UHPLC‑MS/MS or ELSD analysis, congener quantitation, and a comprehensive report with chromatograms and calibration data – typically within 5 business days. Request a free consultation; we will recommend the most suitable method (single marker or multi‑congener profiling) based on your regulatory or research target.