Flavonoid analysis laboratory
As a manufacturer, you want to carry out a flavonoid analysis
What are flavonoids?
Flavonoids are a class of phytochemical compounds found in many plants and belonging to the polyphenol family. They are divided into three classes: bioflavonoids, isoflavonoids and neoflavonoids.
Flavonoids are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
Why analyse flavonoids in the laboratory?
Laboratory analysis of flavonoids is essential for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. It guarantees the quality and authenticity of products by confirming the presence and quantity of active ingredients. This analysis also enables the antioxidant properties of products to be assessed. In the pharmaceutical field, it is essential for developing innovative medicines by exploiting the therapeutic properties of flavonoids. It also ensures the stability and safety of products, keeping them effective until they expire. Finally, flavonoid analysis is fundamental to R&D, as it enables extraction and formulation methods to be optimised.
Tailor-made flavonoid analysis support from the FILAB laboratory
Why choose FILAB for flavonoid analysis?
For over 30 years, our FILAB laboratory has had the experience and specific analytical equipment to support companies in the analysis and assay of flavonoids, through tailor-made assistance.
From analysis to R&D, the FILAB laboratory offers expertise in flavonoid analysis.
our services
Determination of total flavonoids in a plant extract
Search for tracer peaks in a drug and assay
Analysis of total flavonoids
L’analyse des flavonoïdes totaux permet de déterminer la concentration globale de ces composés dans un produit ou un ingrédient naturel. Cette méthode, souvent basée sur la spectrophotométrie, offre une vision d’ensemble des flavonoïdes présents, sans distinction spécifique entre les types de composés. Elle est idéale pour les fabricants cherchant à valider des lots d’ingrédients, optimiser leurs formulations ou répondre aux exigences de traçabilité et de contrôle qualité dans des secteurs tels que l’agroalimentaire, la cosmétique ou la phytothérapie.
Quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds
Quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, enables precise measurement of each bioactive molecule present in a complex matrix. Using advanced techniques such as HPLC chromatography and mass spectrometry, this analysis provides essential data for the development of innovative, high-performance products. It is particularly useful for manufacturers seeking to optimise the functional properties of their products while ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards.
Qualitative analysis of phenolic compounds
Qualitative analysis of phenolic compounds identifies the different types of phenols (flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins) present in a matrix. Using techniques such as chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), qualitative analysis helps manufacturers to understand the composition of their products, optimise their formulations and guarantee compliance with quality standards.
How to identify flavonoids?
Flavonoid content is generally determined by spectrophotometric or chromatographic analysis techniques, often using specific standards. This quantification is used to guarantee the effectiveness of formulations and compliance with product claims. Filab offers tailor-made solutions to meet your regulatory and industrial requirements.
Industrial issues
Flavonoids are used in a wide range of sectors (food supplements, cosmetics, biocides). However, this poses technical and regulatory challenges, requiring appropriate analyses and solutions.
Optimising formulation stability:
Flavonoids are used in cosmetics for their antioxidant properties. However, their instability when exposed to light or heat can alter the effectiveness of products. The cosmetics industry is looking for solutions to stabilise these compounds in complex matrices.
Regulatory compliance of health claims:
Food supplement manufacturers must scientifically prove the benefits of flavonoids, such as their effect on oxidative stress, to comply with EFSA requirements and avoid sanctions.
Uniformity of batches of natural ingredients:
Variations in flavonoid concentration in plant extracts pose problems for product standardisation, making regular analysis necessary to guarantee the consistent quality of formulations.
Development of natural biocides:
As flavonoids are known for their antimicrobial properties, chemical manufacturers are looking to incorporate these compounds into biocides while complying with environmental regulations.
Taste enhancement in the food industry:
Flavonoids, present in natural extracts, can impart an undesirable bitterness. The food industry is working to identify the molecules responsible and develop processes to modulate their sensory impact.
Analysis of flavonoids in food supplements
Flavonoids are bioactive compounds widely used in food supplements for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and preventive properties. Their presence in natural extracts such as those derived from fruit, vegetables or medicinal plants makes them highly prized ingredients in health-promoting formulations. Rigorous analysis of flavonoids guarantees the quality, efficacy and regulatory compliance of products, providing manufacturers with solid evidence for their health claims.
Flavonoid analysis for the cosmetics industry
For cosmetic products, flavonoid analysis makes it possible to identify and quantify these compounds in plant extracts or formulations, ensuring their compliance with regulatory standards and their claimed properties (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective). The FILAB laboratory uses state-of-the-art equipment to assess the flavonoid concentration and stability of cosmetics, thereby optimising formulations and meeting the demands of consumers looking for naturalness and performance.
Some examples of flavonoids
Health claims can only be used if they comply with the specific conditions defined by European regulations and are supported by validated studies. Here are a few examples of compounds:
Quercetin
Quercetin is a flavonoid with antioxidant properties, helping to protect cells against oxidative damage.
Catechins (from green tea)
Catechins help maintain weight as part of a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Anthocyanins (present in berries)
Anthocyanins support vascular health by helping to maintain normal blood circulation.
FAQ
Flavonoids are phenolic compounds found in many natural ingredients. They play a key role in product formulation thanks to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and photoprotective properties.
A flavonoid test is used to quantify and identify the presence of these compounds in a given matrix (plant extracts, finished products, complex formulations). These analyses include methods such as chromatography (HPLC, UHPLC) or mass spectrometry to guarantee product conformity and performance.
Flavonoid content is generally determined by spectrophotometric or chromatographic analysis techniques, often using specific standards. Filab offers tailor-made solutions to meet your regulatory and industrial requirements.
Analysis of flavonoids helps to optimise their stabilisation by identifying the factors likely to alter their structure and efficacy, such as pH, light or heat. By precisely quantifying their concentration and monitoring their behaviour in formulations, laboratory analyses help to optimise storage and manufacturing conditions. They also help to select excipients or processes, such as encapsulation, that protect flavonoids from degradation, guaranteeing stable, high-performance products over the long term.
Flavonoid determination is used to quantify and identify these bioactive compounds in natural ingredients or finished products. Using methods such as liquid chromatography (HPLC) or spectrophotometry, this analysis provides precise data on the content and profile of flavonoids. It is essential for validating formulations, guaranteeing product quality and supporting functional claims.
Flavonoid analysis in cosmetic cream formulations is commonplace. By analysing them, manufacturers can validate their marketing claims, ensure the stability of active ingredients and maintain consistency between production batches. What's more, this step is essential for meeting regulatory requirements and satisfying consumer expectations in terms of product performance and naturalness.
In 2012, EFSA and the European Commission adopted strict regulations on health claims for food supplements. Only scientifically validated claims are permitted, requiring manufacturers to prove the efficacy and safety of ingredients such as flavonoids. This measure enhances transparency and protects consumers against misleading claims.
Flavonoids can be analysed in a wide variety of matrices depending on their industrial use.
- Cosmetic matrices : - Creams and lotions: Skin care products for their antioxidant and soothing properties.
- Serums and masks: To validate their active role in the formulation. - Pharmaceutical matrices :
- Plant extracts : Used in medicinal formulations.
- Medicinal products: Containing flavonoids as active ingredients. - Environmental matrices :
- Raw plants: To characterise flavonoids in botanical or agricultural samples.
- Wastewater: To assess the degradation or presence of residues from natural products. - Industrial matrices:
- Biocides: Incorporating flavonoids for their antimicrobial properties.
- Active packaging: Using flavonoids for their preservative properties.
Each matrix requires specific extraction and analysis methods, adapted to its complexity and the expected flavonoid concentration.
