Shikonin: New But Traditional Ingredient You Should Know

What Is Shikonin?

Shikonin is a naphthoquinone compound derived from the Comfrey family of plants. Its chemical formula is C16H16O5, and its molecular weight is 288.2952 g/mol. It is a purple crystalline powder that is insoluble in water. However, it is soluble in ethanol, organic solvents, and vegetable oils, easily soluble in alkaline water and precipitates when it meets acid.

The ingredient has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Comfreyin is mainly used in the treatment of acute jaundiced or non-jaundiced hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, and flat warts, and it has shown some efficacy in cirrhosis of the liver (ascites) and common warts.

In addition, it has various pharmacological effects, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. It activates ATP synthesis and resynthesis in mitochondria and stimulates cellular energy production. The compound has also been found to have activity in inhibiting the TMEM16A chloride channel, specific pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), and inhibiting the TNF-α and NF-κB signaling pathways.

These properties make Shikonin potentially valuable for drug development, especially in anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer fields. In addition, as a natural compound, Shikonin may be used as a food additive to increase the color of food or provide specific health benefits. Its anti-inflammatory and healing properties also affect cosmetics and skin care. As a beverage additive, it provides specific health benefits or improves the color and taste of beverages. Shikonin may be widely used in the dye industry for its color properties.

This week, Nutri Avenue recommends Shikonin 30%. Its market reference price is $250-300/kg.

Popular Supplement Ingredients Prices Trend 6/17-6/23

L-carnitine base is $20-21.5/kg. L-carnitine L-tartrate is $17.5-20/kg. Acetyl L-carnitine is $24-26/kg.

Creatine Monohydrate powder 200 mesh is $8.2-9.5/kg.

Huperzine A has two manufacturing processes. One is natural Huperzine A, also known as Huperzia Serrata Extract, which has a relatively high market price of $910-1,000/kg. It is suitable for use as a main ingredient in products labeled as natural, safe, and clean. Those who want to make it cheaper can choose synthetic Huperzine A. Its price is $450-600/kg, and its purity is around 1% for natural and synthetic products.

Dihydromyricetin extracted from Vine Tea can be in two forms: powder and granular. Its purity is 98%. The reference price of Dihydromyricetin powder is $44-60/kg.

Vitamin E powder 50% is $21-30/kg.

Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid powder is 3.5-4.8/kg. Its particle size is 40-80 mesh.

Natural L-theanine powder from green tea costs $57-61/kg. Its purity is 20%. Synthetic theanine is relatively low cost at $17-19.5/kg.

Tongkat Ali extract 2% Eurycomanone is $110-124/kg.

3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM) is $32-35/kg.

Pterostilbene powder is $320-350/kg. Its purity is 98%.

L-Erythrothioneine powder is $1,650-2,150/kg.

Magnesium Gluconate powder is $19.5-22/kg. Magnesium Malate is around $24/kg. Magnesium glycinate is $13-26/kg.

Pea protein 80% is 9-10/kg.

Natural Inulin extracted from Chicory is $7.5-9/kg. Its purity is 90%.

Promotional Supplement Ingredients List On Nutri Avenue 6/17-6/23

While the Beta-alanine market has slightly increased for the last two weeks, Nutri Avenue is offering even better prices. As a reference, its current market price is at $3.8-4.5/kg.

Ascorbyl palmitate powder is $25-30/kg in the USA market.

Ginkgo Biloba extract is $74-79/kg with 6%/24% purities. (USP Standard)

L-Isoleucine is $13-15/kg with a steady market trend.

Conclusion

There were no significant changes in the ingredient market this week. Most supplement ingredients have maintained a steady market status and price trend. Today, Nutri Avenue focuses on Shikonin powder. It is a traditional ingredient with a long history. It has a wide range of applications.

To get more information, feel free to visit all the ingredients that are available to us.