Overview
Dried Penthorum Chinense Flower, known as 'Gan Huang Cao' in Chinese medicine, is a perennial herb native to East Asia. The dried flowers are harvested during the blooming season and traditionally sun-dried to preserve their active compounds. It has been used for centuries in folk remedies for liver disorders and metabolic detoxification. Modern phytochemical studies confirm the presence of bioactive compounds like pinocembrin and quercetin, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. The herb is increasingly incorporated into functional foods and nutraceuticals due to growing global interest in natural hepatoprotective agents.
Physical and Chemical Properties
The dried flowers exhibit a brittle texture with retained petal structure, typically measuring 0.5-1 cm in diameter. Color ranges from pale yellow to brown depending on drying methods. Key chemical constituents include 5-7% total flavonoids (measured as rutin equivalents) and 3-5% polyphenols. Water extracts show pH values between 5.8-6.2, with optimal compound extraction at 60-80°C. Alcohol-soluble components account for approximately 40% of the dry weight. The material is hygroscopic and requires protection from humidity during storage to prevent mold growth.
Main Applications
In TCM practices, the flowers are commonly decocted with other herbs like Bupleurum and Gardenia for liver-cleansing formulas. Pharmaceutical applications include capsule formulations for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) management, with clinical trials demonstrating reduced ALT/AST levels. The nutraceutical industry utilizes standardized extracts (typically 10:1 concentration) in detox supplements. Recent developments include its use in functional beverages, where it's blended with honeysuckle and chrysanthemum for metabolic health products targeting urban populations with high toxin exposure.
Safety and Storage
Animal studies indicate low toxicity (LD50 >5000 mg/kg body weight), with no significant adverse effects reported at therapeutic doses (300-600 mg/day for humans). However, pregnant women should avoid use due to potential uterine stimulation effects observed in vitro. Proper storage requires moisture-proof packaging with oxygen absorbers. Ideal conditions maintain relative humidity below 65% at 15-25°C. Shelf life extends to 24 months when vacuum-sealed in food-grade aluminum foil bags, though potency decreases by approximately 15% annually under standard warehouse conditions.
B2B Procurement Guide
Reputable suppliers should provide third-party lab reports for heavy metals (lead <2 ppm, cadmium <0.3 ppm) and pesticide residues (EU MRLs compliance). Organic certification (e.g., USDA/NOP or EU Organic) adds 20-30% to baseline pricing but ensures GAP-compliant cultivation. Minimum order quantities typically start at 25 kg for raw flowers, with price breaks at 100 kg increments. Some exporters offer pre-extracted powders (20-100 mesh) at $80-$120/kg for manufacturers. Always request current COA (Certificate of Analysis) and quarantine samples for microbial testing before large purchases.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：中药材、黄瓜子、一条根、臭梧桐根
- 主营：中药材、冷背药材、矿石类、全草类、根茎类、白芨、人参
- 主营：夜来香、茉莉根、钱一条、伸筋花、灯盏花、西红花、大皂角、银杏叶、白檀香、黄药子、桑寄生、鸡骨草、两头尖、马兜铃、金锁匙、绞股蓝、连钱草、使君子、金铁锁、血余碳、覆盆子、红参片、一口钟、三七粉、竹节参
- 主营：赶黄草、白芍芽
- 主营：藏红花、须元果
- 主营：桂圆粉、草莓粉、薄荷浸膏粉、百合花提取物、金银花粉、红花提取物、白芷提取物、锁阳提取物、覆盆子浓缩汁、白扁豆胚芽粉、莲子心提取物、布渣叶速溶粉、黄精浸膏、人参粉、肉苁蓉粉、阿胶粉、黑豆粉、玉竹提取物、青皮浸膏、枳壳提取液、沙棘粉、枸杞浸膏、当归提取物、桑葚提取物、小柑胎提取物
- 主营：辣木籽、四块瓦、中药材、白花蛇、青花椒、三七花、枸杞子、吴茱萸、肉苁蓉、鱼脑石、七叶莲、黑附片、牛大力、四宝片、夏枯草、粉防己、紫苏叶、木鳖子、龙脑香、鸡公虫、莲子心、苏木精、钱一条、三七片、柏子仁
- 主营：珍珠粉、地骷髅、猫爪草、灯盏花、钱一条、杭白菊、车前草、蒲公英、鸡骨草、四宝片、广藿香、柯子肉、小茴香、香樟木、威灵仙、血余碳、覆盆子、胆南星、毒鱼藤、金果榄、白马骨、紫河车、吴茱萸、海风藤、黑蜘蛛