Cornus Officinalis (Shan Zhu Yu) Extract

Cornus officinalis extract, widely recognized in the herbal industry by its traditional Chinese name Shan Zhu Yu, is a highly valued botanical ingredient derived from the dried ripe fruit of the Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. plant. With a history spanning thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this extract has gained significant momentum in modern nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and functional food formulation. Its rich bioactive profile, well-documented functional properties, and growing body of scientific interest make it a compelling ingredient for manufacturers, brand owners, and supplement formulators worldwide.

Botanical Origin and Source Material

Cornus officinalis, a member of the Cornaceae family, is primarily cultivated in the mountainous regions of China, including Henan, Zhejiang, Anhui, Shaanxi, and Sichuan provinces. The fruit — commonly referred to as the Asian cornelian cherry — is harvested in autumn when fully ripe, then processed to remove the seeds before drying. This careful selection of raw material is foundational to producing a high-quality extract with consistent bioactive content.

The quality of Shan Zhu Yu extract begins at the sourcing stage. Responsible ingredient manufacturers implement strict raw material standards, including botanical identity verification, pesticide residue testing, and heavy metal screening, to ensure that only compliant and authentic plant material enters the extraction process.

Extraction and Production Process

The production of Cornus officinalis extract involves a carefully controlled manufacturing workflow designed to maximize the concentration of bioactive compounds while preserving their structural integrity. Standard production methods typically include:

• Water or hydroalcoholic extraction to efficiently isolate the target phytochemicals from the dried fruit
• Filtration and concentration steps to remove plant debris and reduce solvent content
• Spray drying or vacuum drying to convert the liquid extract into a stable powder form
• Standardization to achieve a defined and consistent concentration of key active markers

This multi-step process ensures batch-to-batch consistency, which is a critical requirement for dietary supplement manufacturers operating under GMP-compliant production environments.

Key Active Compounds

The biological activities associated with Cornus officinalis extract are attributed to a diverse array of naturally occurring phytochemicals. The primary bioactive constituents include:

Iridoid Glycosides

• Morroniside — one of the most studied iridoid glycosides in Cornus officinalis, associated with a broad range of physiological activities
• Loganin — another prominent iridoid glycoside with notable research interest
• Sweroside — contributing to the extract's overall functional profile

Tannins and Polyphenols

• Cornuside
• Tellimagrandin I and II
• Ellagic acid derivatives

Ursolic Acid

A pentacyclic triterpenoid present in the fruit skin, known for its wide range of investigated functional properties.

Other Notable Compounds

• Gallic acid
• Malic acid
• Tartaric acid
• Polysaccharides

The standardized extract is typically characterized and quantified by its morroniside content or total iridoid glycoside content, which serves as the primary quality benchmark in commercial trade. Common standardization grades include 10%, 20%, 25%, and 50% iridoid glycosides by HPLC.

Physical and Chemical Characteristics

The powder form offers excellent handling characteristics and is compatible with most standard capsule filling, tableting, and powder-blending processes used in dietary supplement manufacturing.

Functional Properties and Health Benefits

Cornus officinalis extract has been the subject of extensive research in both traditional medicine literature and contemporary scientific studies. Below are the primary functional areas where the extract has demonstrated notable activity:

Antioxidant Activity

The polyphenolic and iridoid constituents of Shan Zhu Yu extract exhibit significant free radical scavenging capacity, helping to neutralize oxidative stress at the cellular level. This makes the extract a relevant ingredient for anti-aging, skin health, and general wellness formulations.

Supporting Kidney and Liver Health

In TCM, Shan Zhu Yu has been traditionally used to tonify the liver and kidney. Modern research has begun exploring how its bioactive compounds may contribute to the maintenance of normal kidney and liver function, providing a scientific basis for its historical applications.

Blood Sugar Management Support

Several preclinical studies have investigated the potential of Cornus officinalis extract and its isolated iridoids — particularly morroniside — in relation to glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, making it a subject of interest for metabolic health formulations.

Bone Health and Musculoskeletal Support

Emerging research suggests that certain compounds in Cornus officinalis may play a role in supporting bone density and musculoskeletal health, areas that are particularly relevant for aging population health products.

Immune Modulation

The polysaccharide fraction of Shan Zhu Yu has attracted research attention for its potential immunomodulatory effects, contributing to its growing appeal in immune support supplement formulations.

Cardiovascular Health

Bioactive components found in Cornus officinalis extract have been studied for their potential contributions to cardiovascular wellness, including effects on lipid profiles and vascular function.

Note: The above functional properties are referenced for informational and formulation guidance purposes. They should not be interpreted as approved health claims. Formulators and brand owners are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements in their respective markets.

Industry Applications

Cornus officinalis extract is a versatile ingredient suitable for incorporation into a wide range of product categories:

• Dietary Supplements — capsules, tablets, softgels, powders, and stick packs targeting kidney health, liver support, antioxidant wellness, and energy vitality
• Functional Foods and Beverages — health drinks, nutritional bars, fortified foods, and TCM-inspired functional products
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Formulations — single-herb extracts and compound formula granules used by TCM practitioners and herbal medicine manufacturers
• Cosmetic and Skincare Ingredients — antioxidant-active botanical extracts for use in anti-aging serums, creams, and topical formulations
• Pharmaceutical Intermediates — serving as a natural source of isolated iridoid glycosides for research and pharmaceutical applications

Formulation Compatibility

Cornus officinalis extract in powder form exhibits good compatibility with a broad range of commonly used excipients and co-ingredients in supplement and functional food manufacturing. It blends well with:

• Other TCM-derived botanical extracts (e.g., Rehmannia, Dioscorea, Alisma — often used in classical Liuwei Dihuang formulas)
• Antioxidant blends containing vitamin C, vitamin E, or resveratrol
• Polysaccharide-based functional ingredients
• Standard tablet and capsule excipients including microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide

Formulators working with water-based or hydroalcoholic systems will find the extract's water solubility advantageous for liquid formulation development.

Quality Standards and Testing

Extract Makers operates under a rigorous quality management framework aligned with international standards. Each batch of Cornus officinalis extract undergoes comprehensive quality control testing, which typically includes:

• Identity testing via HPTLC or HPLC fingerprinting to verify botanical authenticity
• Active content assay by HPLC for iridoid glycoside quantification (e.g., morroniside, loganin)
• Microbiological testing — total plate count, yeast and mold, E. coli, Salmonella
• Heavy metals analysis — Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, Cadmium
• Pesticide residue screening in compliance with EU and USP guidelines
• Moisture, ash, and particle size physical parameter testing

Comprehensive Certificates of Analysis (COA) are issued with every batch, providing full traceability and transparency for procurement teams, quality assurance departments, and regulatory affairs personnel.

Available Specifications and Packaging

Extract Makers offers Cornus officinalis extract in multiple standardization grades to accommodate different formulation requirements:

• 5:1, 10:1 ratio extracts (non-standardized, full-spectrum)
• 10% – 50% Iridoid Glycosides (standardized by HPLC)
• Morroniside 5% – 20% (single-marker standardized grades)

Standard packaging options include:

• 1 kg foil bags (for samples and small-volume orders)
• 5 kg and 10 kg foil-lined kraft bags
• 25 kg fiber drums with double inner liner

Custom packaging configurations are available upon request for private label clients and bulk wholesale buyers. All packaging materials are food-grade compliant and designed to protect product integrity during international shipping.

Storage and Shelf Life

To maintain optimal potency and quality:

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Recommended storage temperature: below 25°C
• Keep containers tightly sealed after opening to prevent moisture absorption
• Shelf life: 24 months from the date of manufacture under proper storage conditions

Why Source Cornus Officinalis Extract from Extract Makers?

Extract Makers is a professional botanical extract manufacturer with deep expertise in TCM-derived ingredients and standardized plant extracts. Our manufacturing facilities are designed and operated in compliance with GMP standards, and our production processes are subject to rigorous internal quality audits as well as third-party inspections.

We serve a global client base that includes dietary supplement manufacturers, nutraceutical brand owners, contract manufacturers, private label companies, functional food producers, and pharmaceutical ingredient distributors. Our commitment to supply chain transparency, consistent product quality, and responsive technical support makes us a reliable long-term ingredient partner.

Key advantages of partnering with Extract Makers:

• Consistent batch-to-batch standardization and quality
• Full documentation support including COA, MSDS, specification sheets, and origin certificates
• Flexible MOQ policies accommodating both R&D sampling needs and large-scale production orders
• Technical support for formulation guidance and regulatory documentation
• Competitive wholesale pricing with efficient international logistics

Request a Sample or Bulk Quote

If you are a supplement manufacturer, brand formulator, contract manufacturer, or ingredient distributor looking to source high-quality Cornus officinalis (Shan Zhu Yu) extract, we invite you to connect with our team.

📧 Email: [email protected]

Our product specialists are available to provide technical data sheets, customized quotations, and sample arrangements to support your product development and sourcing needs.

Sarah