Wholesome in bulk™ Black Cohosh Root Extract Powder
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Bulk Black Cohosh Root Extract for Supplement Manufacturing
Black cohosh extract is a dry powder made from the root and rhizome of Actaea racemosa L., a perennial native to North America. Older documents call the plant Cimicifuga racemosa. It is usually standardized to 2.5% triterpene glycosides, measured by HPLC. We supply it in bulk to supplement brands, contract manufacturers, and formulators.
A root extract specified by triterpene glycosides and species
Black cohosh extract is specified by its triterpene glycoside content and by proof of species. When both appear on every COA, you can compare lots and suppliers on the same terms.
Defined species and part
Commercial extract comes from the root and rhizome of Actaea racemosa L. Older documents use the synonym Cimicifuga racemosa, and both names refer to the same plant.
A standard market grade
The most widely listed grade is NLT 2.5% triterpene glycosides by HPLC, often calculated as 27-deoxyactein. Some suppliers also list grades up to 5%.
Three constituent classes
Black cohosh root contains triterpene glycosides, phenolic acids, and alkaloids. One fully characterized reference extract had 39 identified constituents across these three classes.
Published identity markers
Cimifugin and cimiracemoside F help separate black cohosh from most Asian Actaea species in HPLC and LC-MS fingerprints. Formononetin is not a useful marker, since a fingerprint survey of 15 Actaea species found it in none of them.
Fine powder for dry blends
Dry extracts are supplied as fine powders for capsule filling, tableting, and dry blending. Confirm mesh, density, and carrier on the spec sheet against your equipment.
Origin you can trace
Black cohosh is native to North America, while related species grow in both North America and Asia. Ask for the country of harvest and whether each lot was wild harvested or cultivated.
Where formulators use black cohosh extract
This extract fits measured formats where fill weight and serving size are controlled, including:
- Capsules
- Compressed tablets
- Softgels, after suspension and stability trials
- Multiple ingredient botanical blends
- Chewable tablets, after taste trials
- Private label programs
Plan fill weights from the confirmed assay on each COA. Black cohosh extract often goes in at small inclusion rates, so run blend uniformity checks in multiple ingredient formulas.
What to check before you buy black cohosh extract
Two powders sold as 2.5% black cohosh extract can differ in species, reference compound, solvent, and carrier. Review these points together, and ask for lot documents before you approve a supplier.
Species and plant part
Confirm Actaea racemosa L. root and rhizome on the specification and the certificate of analysis (COA). Related species, such as the Asian Actaea dahurica and yellow cohosh (Actaea podocarpa), look alike as dried root.
Species fingerprint
Ask for an HPLC or HPTLC fingerprint against an authenticated black cohosh reference. The triterpene glycoside assay alone does not show which Actaea species the extract came from.
Raw root checks
For crude root, a DNA test against a vouchered reference can confirm species before extraction. Finished extracts are better checked by chemical fingerprint, since their DNA is often fragmented.
Assay and reference compound
Ask whether triterpene glycosides are measured by HPLC and which compound the result is calculated as, such as 27-deoxyactein. The reference standard and detector both affect the number.
Solvent, ratio, and carrier
Confirm the extraction solvent and native extract ratio. Ask whether maltodextrin or another carrier is added to reach the stated grade, and at what level.
Contaminant limits
Check heavy metals by ICP-MS, microbial limits by USP methods, pesticide residues, and residual solvents. Compare each limit with your own finished product specification.
Label math: If your label lists triterpene glycosides per serving, name the reference compound and keep it the same from lot to lot. Base the figure on each lot's measured assay and your own finished product testing.
Typical specification for black cohosh extract
These values reflect the common 2.5% triterpene glycoside grade. Final figures come from the specification sheet and COA for your lot. NLT means not less than, and NMT means not more than.
| Parameter | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical source | Actaea racemosa L., root and rhizome | HPTLC or HPLC fingerprint |
| Species markers | Profile matches A. racemosa reference for cimifugin and cimiracemoside F | HPLC or LC-MS |
| Appearance | Fine brown powder | Visual |
| Triterpene glycosides | NLT 2.5% | HPLC |
| Reference compound | Calculated as 27-deoxyactein | Supplier declaration |
| Extraction solvent | Ethanol and water | Supplier declaration |
| Native extract ratio | Ratio of dry root to native extract | Supplier declaration |
| Carrier | None, or as named on the specification sheet | Supplier declaration |
| Particle size | NLT 95% through 80 mesh | USP <786> |
| Loss on drying | NMT 5.0% | USP <731> |
| Lead | NMT 3.0 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic | NMT 1.0 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium | NMT 1.0 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Mercury | NMT 0.1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Total aerobic count | NMT 10,000 cfu/g | USP <2021> |
| Yeast and mold | NMT 1,000 cfu/g | USP <2021> |
| E. coli and Salmonella | Negative in 10 g and 25 g | USP <2022> |
| Pesticide residues | Meets USP <561> | GC-MS and LC-MS |
| Residual solvents | Meets USP <467> | GC headspace |
| Shelf life | 24 to 36 months, unopened | Stability data |
Storage and handling for bulk black cohosh extract
Root extracts hold their flow and assay when they stay sealed, dry, and out of light. These habits help you keep quality steady across several production runs.
Keep it sealed
Close the inner liner after each use and press out the air. Extract powders pick up moisture from the air and can cake when left open.
Store cool and dry
Keep bags off the floor in a dry room, away from heat sources. Follow the temperature range on the spec sheet.
Keep away from light
Leave the powder in its original opaque packaging. Light and heat can shift color and assay over time.
Rotate stock
Record the lot number and retest date for each bag. Send older lots to production first.
Black cohosh extract buyer FAQ
Quick answers to the questions procurement and quality teams ask most.
What is black cohosh extract standardized to?
Black cohosh extract is usually standardized to NLT 2.5% triterpene glycosides by HPLC. Suppliers often calculate the figure as 27-deoxyactein. Some listings offer grades up to 5%.
Is Actaea racemosa the same as Cimicifuga racemosa?
Yes. Actaea racemosa L. is the accepted name, and Cimicifuga racemosa is an older synonym for the same plant. Specs and COAs may use either name, so check that both refer to black cohosh root and rhizome.
How do you confirm black cohosh identity?
Use a chemical fingerprint, such as HPLC or HPTLC, compared with an authenticated black cohosh reference. Marker compounds like cimifugin and cimiracemoside F help separate black cohosh from Asian Actaea species. The triterpene glycoside assay alone does not confirm species.
Is black cohosh the same as blue cohosh?
No. Blue cohosh is Caulophyllum thalictroides, a different plant in a different family. The shared common name is one more reason to order and specify by Latin name.
What documents can I get with an order?
A certificate of analysis (COA) and a specification sheet ship with every order. An allergen statement and a safety data sheet may also be available, depending on the lot in inventory. Contact us to request them.
Can I get a sample before a bulk order?
You can request one by choosing sample options on the quote form. We will confirm availability, size, and timing.
How should I store an opened bag?
Close the liner, press out the air, and keep the bag in a cool, dry place away from light. Use the powder within the shelf life shown on the COA.
Request a quote for bulk black cohosh extract
Tell us your grade, identity testing needs, quantity, and timing. We will reply with current pricing. Select testing documents and sample options on the quote form.
Order Black Cohosh ExtractBulk orders: Choose a pack size above, or use the quote form for larger volumes, testing documents, and sample options. We serve supplement brands, contract manufacturers, product developers, and formulators.
This bulk ingredient is sold for further manufacturing and formulation. The information on this page describes the ingredient and how commercial buyers evaluate it. It is not medical advice. Each finished product brand is responsible for its own labeling and product claims.
