Primary Botanical Ingredients & Bioactives Portfolio
Lab-verified raw active materials precision-manufactured for functional stability, solubility, and regulatory compliance worldwide.
Technical Monograph: Clitoria Ternatea Phytochemistry
Understanding the molecular complexity, polyacylated delphinidin architectures, and unique thermal resilience of Butterfly Pea Flower Extract.
Molecular Structure & Chromophore Chemistry
Clitoria ternatea, commonly known as Butterfly Pea or Asian Pigeonwings, is a leguminous herb native to tropical equatorial Asia. Within the global nutraceutical and clean-label colorant markets, Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract has risen from an ethnomedicinal tea botanical to an internationally prized active ingredient. Its biochemical value is rooted primarily in an extraordinary class of anthocyanins known as ternatins. Unlike common anthocyanins found in blueberries, red cabbage, or elderberry (which are largely monoglucosides or diglucosides), ternatins are polyacylated delphinidin derivatives.
Specifically, ternatins (A1 through D3) feature a central delphinidin chromophore with branching D-glucose molecules acylated with p-coumaric acid residues. This intramolecular hydrophobic stacking shields the pyrylium core against nucleophilic water attack and subsequent chalcone transformation. As a consequence, Clitoria Ternatea extract demonstrates unprecedented thermal, light, and pH stability between pH 3.5 and 7.5 compared to other commercial natural blue pigments.
Polyacylated Anthocyanins
Delphinidin-3,3',5'-triglucoside backbones with multiple p-coumaroyl groups offer exceptional molecular resistance against oxidative bleaching and photo-oxidation.
- Ternatins A1, A2, B1, B2 & D1
- pH-responsive reversible bathochromic shifts
- Stable across cold-fill and pasteurization steps
Flavonol Glycosides
Potent secondary polyphenolic complexes that act as synergistic free-radical scavengers, offering potent protective benefits in topicals and dietary products.
- Standardized Quercetin & Kaempferol glycosides
- Myricetin glycosides
- Inhibition of lipid peroxidation (ORAC > 8,500 μmol TE/g)
Cyclotides & Bioactive Peptides
Macrocyclic disulfide-rich peptides providing microbial defense properties and anti-elastase / anti-collagenase enzymatic inhibition.
- Thermal and enzymatic protease degradation resistance
- Dermal matrix stabilization
- Synergistic hair follicle microcirculation booster
Industrial Capabilities of Our China Extraction Factory
How our cutting-edge multi-stage extraction hub in Xi'an bridges scientific extraction precision with large-scale commercial cost advantages.
Continuous Countercurrent
Closed-loop ultrasonic-assisted countercurrent extraction tanks prevent volatile degradation and maintain ternatin stability.
Purity & Contaminant Screening
Stringent compliance with USP, EP, and FCC monographs for heavy metals (<10ppm total, As <1ppm, Pb <1ppm), pesticides, and irradiation.
GAP Raw Material Bases
Direct contract cultivation guarantees botanical authentication, eliminating raw-material adulteration and ensuring zero cross-contamination.
Low-Temperature Spray Drying
Microencapsulated maltodextrin/gum acacia carriers or 100% pure carrier-free freeze-drying preserve native anthocyanin configurations.
| Specification Parameter | Food / Beverage Grade | Cosmetic / Personal Care Grade | Nutraceutical Grade (Concentrate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Marker (HPLC) | Color Value E10 (550nm): 10 - 50 | Total Flavonoids ≥ 5.0% - 10.0% | Total Anthocyanins ≥ 15.0% - 25.0% |
| Solubility Profile | 100% Instant Water Soluble (Clear Blue) | Soluble in Water & Hydro-glycolic bases | Cold-Water Dispersible / Soluble |
| Drying Medium / Carrier | Carrier-free or Food Maltodextrin (<10%) | Glycerin / Aqua or Carrier-Free Powder | Carrier-free 100% Butterfly Pea Powder |
| pH Color Spectrum | pH < 3.8 (Violet-Purple) | pH 4.5-7.5 (Royal Blue) | pH 5.0 - 6.5 (Vibrant Indigo-Blue) | Standardized Color Density at pH 4.0 |
| Microbial & Heavy Metals | TPC <1000 cfu/g, Pb <0.5ppm, As <0.5ppm | TPC <100 cfu/g, Pathogens Absent | USP/EP Microbiological Compliance |
Cross-Industry Application Architecture
Engineered raw-material solutions adapted to formulation matrices across the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Beverages
Clean-label replacement for FD&C Blue No. 1 and synthetic lake pigments. Butterfly pea flower extract is certified for liquid beverages, mocktails, energy tonics, and kombucha.
- Dynamic pH-shifting color experiences (Blue to Magenta with citrus addition)
- Zero precipitation in high-acid formulations
- Heat-stable under High-Temperature Short-Time (HTST) pasteurization
Clinical Dermocosmetics & Hair Care
Acts as a multifunctional natural colorant and biological active. High flavonoid content inhibits elastase and hyaluronidase activities, supporting collagen integrity.
- Enhances keratin strength in anti-hair-thinning shampoos
- Neutralizes yellow undertones in blonde hair treatments
- Protects cutaneous keratinocytes against High Energy Visible (HEV) blue light
Functional Foods & Confectionery
From vegan pectin gummies to active powdered dietary supplements. Demonstrates compatibility with gelatin, pectin, collagen hydrolysates, and sports proteins.
- No protein cross-linking reactions or hazing
- Retains intense hue in extruded snacks and baked goods
- Natural antioxidant synergy with Vitamin C and Polyphenols
Regulatory Roadmap & Scientific Dossiers
Full transparent regulatory packages empowering our corporate buyers to streamline qualification and cross borders with zero frictions.
US FDA FDA 21 CFR § 73.69
FDA approval of Butterfly Pea Flower Extract as an exempt color additive for select food categories marks a major regulatory greenlight for North American brand launches.
- Comprehensive batch verification of solvent residues
- GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) self-determinations
- Organic National Organic Program (NOP) equivalency support
European Union & EFSA Positioning
Classified as a traditional botanical infusion with full traceability documentation aligning with EC 178/2002 and Novel Food guidance for specific matrix forms.
- Complete absence of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs) via LC-MS/MS
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH4) within EFSA limits
- REACH and CosIng INCI registered for cosmetics
Global QA Technical Dossiers
Every lot dispatched from our factory is supported by our comprehensive English QA technical qualification dossier ready for enterprise audit.
- Full Batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) with HPLC chromatograms
- Technical Data Sheets (TDS) & Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Kosher, Halal, ISO 9001, ISO 22000, and HACCP Certificates
Enterprise Procurement & Technical Q&A
Essential answers for sourcing directors, formulate engineers, and quality assurance executives.
Specialty Ingredients & Bioactive Compounds
Explore our extended portfolio of standardized vegetal proteins, functional peptides, and pharmaceutical-grade botanical derivatives.
