Product Overview & China Production Capacity
Quercetin (CAS 6151-25-3 dihydrate / 117-39-5 anhydrous, molecular formula C₁₅H₁₀O₇, MW 302.24) is a plant flavonoid widely distributed in fruits, vegetables, and grains, valued for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. China is the world’s largest quercetin producer with annual output exceeding 5,000 metric tons from extraction and synthesis facilities in Shandong, Anhui, Guangxi, and Shaanxi provinces. The primary extraction source is Sophora japonica (Japanese pagoda tree) flower buds, which are abundant in China.
Quercetin is used in dietary supplements, pharmaceutical research, functional foods, and cosmetic formulations. Its biological activities include mast cell stabilization, phosphodiesterase inhibition, and modulation of inflammatory cytokine production. Chinese manufacturers offer quercetin from natural extraction (Sophora japonica buds) and enzymatic hydrolysis of rutin, achieving purities from 95% to ≥98% HPLC for pharmaceutical and supplement applications.
Manufacturing Standards & Quality Assurance
Production facilities hold ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000, HACCP, and kosher/halal certifications. Quality testing includes assay (HPLC), identification (UV, HPLC-MS), loss on drying, residue on ignition, heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Hg by ICP-MS), pesticide residues, solvent residues, and microbial limits. Products comply with USP dietary supplement monograph and ChP specifications.
Extraction from Sophora japonica buds uses ethanol or water-ethanol systems followed by concentration and crystallization. Alternatively, quercetin is produced by enzymatic or acid hydrolysis of rutin, removing the rutinose sugar moiety. Both routes achieve high purity through recrystallization from appropriate solvent systems. HPLC analysis confirms identity and purity with full impurity profiling.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 6151-25-3 (dihydrate) / 117-39-5 (anhydrous) |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₅H₁₀O₇ |
| Molecular Weight | 302.24 g/mol |
| Appearance | Yellow crystalline powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | ≥95% (standard) / ≥98% (pharma) |
| Source | Sophora japonica bud extract |
| Loss on Drying | ≤12.0% (dihydrate) |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤2 ppm |
| Pesticide Residues | Meets EU/US limits |
| Pharmacopoeial Compliance | USP (dietary supplement), ChP |
Packaging & Export Logistics
Quercetin is packed in 1 kg, 5 kg, or 25 kg aluminum foil bags within fiber drums, stored under cool, dry, light-protected conditions. Lead time is 7–12 business days. FOB from Shanghai, Qingdao, or Xi’an; CIF and DDP terms available.
Light-protective packaging is essential. Documentation includes CoA, SDS, kosher/halal certificates, and phytosanitary certificates.
China Supply Advantage
China’s abundant Sophora japonica tree resources and established flavonoid extraction infrastructure deliver quercetin at 30–50% below Western sources. Dual production capability (direct extraction and rutin hydrolysis) provides supply flexibility and quality options. Chinese quercetin producers serve nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic companies worldwide with consistent quality and the scale to handle orders from kilograms to multi-ton shipments.