Ashwagandha

Description

1. Product Overview

Ashwagandha is a standardized botanical extract derived from the dried root of Withania somnifera, used industrially as a raw material for dietary supplements, functional foods, and herbal medicines. Its primary value proposition is high withanolide content (≥2.5% to ≥5%) ensuring batch-to-batch efficacy and regulatory alignment. As global demand for adaptogens rises 14% annually, securing a reliable, high-purity ashwagandha supply is a strategic imperative for nutraceutical supply chains.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical composition: Withanolides (≥2.5% – 5% HPLC), withaferin A (trace to 0.2%), oligosaccharides, alkaloids

• Purity level: 95–100% pure root extract; no fillers, synthetic binders, or flow agents

• Physical characteristics: Fine powder (80–100 mesh), light beige to tan-brown, low hygroscopicity, bulk density 0.45–0.55 g/mL

• Packaging options: 25 kg multi-layered kraft + polyliner bags; fiber drums (25–50 kg); bulk FIBC bags (500 kg)

• Shelf life: 36 months in sealed, cool (<25°C), dry (<40% RH) conditions; re-test after 24 months

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Nutraceuticals & dietary supplements: Capsules, tablets, gummies, tinctures, and powder blends for stress, sleep, and vitality formulas.

• Functional beverages & foods: RTD drinks, protein powders, and snack bars requiring heat-stable, low-bitter extracts.

• Ayurvedic & herbal pharmaceuticals: Standardized monographs for export to EU, USA (DSHEA), and India (AYUSH).

• Why better than alternatives: Higher withanolide consistency reduces overage needs; lower microbial load (TVC <10⁴ cfu/g) improves finished product stability; fine particle size enhances blend uniformity and dissolution.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality consistency: Every batch tested for heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Hg <1 ppm), pesticides (EU MRL compliant), and withanolide profile via HPLC.

• Supply reliability: Vertical integration from contracted organic farms; 12-month forward capacity planning.

• Logistics capability: 48-hour dispatch from regional hubs (India, EU, USA).

• Price competitiveness: Tiered pricing via direct offtake agreements, removing 2–3 intermediary margins.

• Sustainability: Rain-fed cultivation, zero-forest-conversion farms, plastic-neutral packaging optional.

• Technical support: Full COA, MSDS, allergen statement, GMO-free declaration, and Kosher/Halal certificates provided.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum order quantity (MOQ): BULK 20 metric tons (MT) per product grade

• Loading capacity: 20 MT per standard 20-foot container (palletized, 18–20 MT depending on drum vs. bag density); 25 MT per 40-foot container