Alkannin 98% is a high-concentration naphthoquinone natural pigment derived from the roots of Alkanna tinctoria (commonly known as Alkanna or Zicao in traditional Chinese medicine). As one of the most valued bioactive colorants in the botanical extract industry, Alkannin 98% offers formulators and manufacturers a potent, standardized raw material suitable for nutraceutical formulations, topical pharmaceutical preparations, natural cosmetic colorants, and functional food ingredients.
Manufactured by The Extract Factory, this premium-grade Alkannin 98% powder delivers exceptional batch-to-batch consistency, traceable sourcing, and rigorous quality oversight — making it a reliable choice for international buyers, contract manufacturers, and private-label brands seeking a dependable supply of shikonin-rich extract.
What Is Alkannin?
Alkannin (chemical formula: C₁₆H₁₆O₅) belongs to the naphthoquinone class of organic compounds. It occurs naturally as a purplish-red pigment concentrated in the root bark of Alkanna tinctoria, a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, Central Asia, and parts of Western China. The pigment is part of a broader group of structurally related naphthoquinones collectively referred to as shikonin-type compounds.
The principal bioactive constituents found alongside Alkannin include:
| Compound | Classification |
|---|---|
| Shikonin | Primary naphthoquinone isomer |
| Acetylshikonin | Acetylated derivative |
| β,β'-Dimethylacrylshikonin | Prenylated shikonin derivative |
| p-Hydroxyisovalerylshikonin | Hydroxylated acyl derivative |
| Isovalerylshikonin | Branched-chain acyl derivative |
| Deoxyshikonin | Deoxy naphthoquinone variant |
These co-occurring compounds contribute to the broad bioactivity profile that makes Alkannin 98% a sought-after ingredient across multiple sectors.
Product Specifications — Alkannin 98%
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Alkannin (Shikonin) |
| Assay (Purity) | 30% / 98% (HPLC) |
| INCI / Other Name | Shikonin |
| Appearance | Dark purple fine powder |
| Grade | Food Grade |
| Shelf Life | 2 years (stored in a cool, dry environment) |
| Sample Availability | 10 g free sample upon request |
| Standard Packaging | 25 kg per fiber drum |
| Origin of Raw Material | Alkanna tinctoria root |
Botanical Source & Raw Material Traceability
The Extract Factory sources Alkanna tinctoria root material from established cultivation and wild-harvest regions known for consistent naphthoquinone content. Root harvesting typically occurs at peak maturity — generally in the second or third growing season — when alkannin and shikonin concentrations in the root cortex reach optimal levels.
Raw material undergoes identity verification (botanical authentication via macroscopic and microscopic examination) and preliminary assay screening before entering the production pipeline. This upstream quality gate helps ensure that every batch of Alkannin 98% begins with verified, high-potency starting material.
Extraction & Manufacturing Process
Alkannin 98% is produced through a multi-step extraction and purification workflow designed to concentrate the naphthoquinone fraction while minimizing degradation:
- Raw Material Preparation — Dried, cleaned root is milled to a controlled particle size to optimize solvent contact.
- Solvent Extraction — The root powder is extracted using food-grade ethanol or a compatible organic solvent system under controlled temperature and time parameters.
- Concentration & Purification — The crude extract is concentrated under reduced pressure and subjected to chromatographic or crystallization-based purification steps to achieve the 98% assay target.
- Drying & Milling — The purified fraction is spray-dried or vacuum-dried to produce a free-flowing dark purple powder with uniform particle distribution.
- Final QC Testing — Each batch is tested for assay, residual solvents, heavy metals, microbiological limits, and physical characteristics before release.
This controlled process supports reproducible potency, low residual solvent levels, and compliance with food-grade and pharmaceutical-intermediate expectations.
Physical & Chemical Characteristics
Understanding the physicochemical profile of Alkannin 98% is essential for formulators and procurement teams:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Deep purplish-red to dark purple |
| Odor | Characteristic mild, slightly earthy |
| Solubility in Water | Practically insoluble |
| Solubility in Ethanol | Freely soluble |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents | Soluble in chloroform, ethyl acetate, DMSO, and vegetable oils |
| Solubility in Alkaline Water | Soluble (shifts to blue-violet) |
| Behavior in Acid | Acidification causes precipitation of the free naphthoquinone |
| Stability | Sensitive to light and prolonged heat; best stored protected from UV exposure |
| Molecular Weight | 288.30 g/mol |
Formulation note: Because Alkannin 98% is lipophilic and ethanol-soluble, it integrates readily into oil-based serums, anhydrous cosmetic bases, ethanol-based tinctures, and softgel or lipid-based supplement matrices. In aqueous systems, it may require emulsification or the use of co-solvents for uniform dispersion.
Functional Properties & Industry-Recognized Uses
Alkannin and its shikonin-type derivatives have been studied extensively in pharmacological and dermatological research. The following represents widely documented functional areas associated with these naphthoquinones — presented here for informational and formulation-development purposes:
Supporting Healthy Inflammatory Response
Shikonin-class naphthoquinones have demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory activity in preclinical research models. This property underpins their traditional and modern use in topical preparations aimed at soothing irritated or compromised skin.
Antimicrobial Potential
Published studies have reported broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects of shikonin derivatives against various bacterial and fungal strains, supporting their inclusion in wound-care and skin-health formulations.
Dermatological & Topical Applications
In dermatological practice, shikonin-containing preparations have been historically used for:
- Management of mild viral skin conditions (e.g., verruca plana)
- Supportive care in psoriatic skin conditions
- Topical application for minor burns and wound healing promotion
- Oil-based preparations for infant dermatitis, eczema, and related skin concerns
Hepatological Context
Shikonin-type compounds have been investigated in clinical settings for supportive roles in managing certain hepatic conditions. Traditional and integrative medicine references describe their use in relation to acute and chronic liver-related concerns, including cirrhotic presentations — though specific clinical outcomes should always be evaluated within the relevant regulatory and medical framework.
Ophthalmic Use
Shikonin-derived preparations have been explored in ophthalmology, particularly in the context of herpes simplex virus-related keratitis, including epithelial dendritic and superficial parenchymal forms. These are specialized pharmaceutical applications requiring appropriate regulatory clearance.
Oral Care
Toothpaste formulations incorporating shikonin derivatives have been studied for their potential to help prevent dental caries and gingival inflammation, leveraging the compound's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Natural Colorant
Beyond bioactivity, Alkannin 98% serves as a vibrant, naturally derived red-to-purple colorant for:
- Pharmaceutical coatings and capsules
- Cosmetic products (lipsticks, creams, soaps)
- Food and beverage applications (where regulatory approval permits)
Industry Applications
| Sector | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical | Capsule and tablet formulations, topical ointments, herbal extracts, liver-support supplements |
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | Natural colorant in creams, serums, lip products; anti-acne and soothing formulations |
| Food & Beverage | Natural food coloring in confectionery, dairy, and beverages (subject to local food additive regulations) |
| Veterinary & Animal Health | Topical skin-care products, wound-healing preparations |
| Research & Development | Reference standard material, bioactivity screening, formulation development |
Quality Control & Manufacturing Standards
The Extract Factory maintains a mature quality management system built on over a decade of experience in the botanical extract industry. Every production batch of Alkannin 98% undergoes:
| Test | Method / Standard |
|---|---|
| Assay (Purity) | HPLC (≥ 98% for premium grade) |
| Identification | HPLC retention time match, UV-Vis spectrum |
| Residual Solvents | GC headspace analysis |
| Heavy Metals | ICP-MS or AAS (Pb, As, Cd, Hg within limits) |
| Microbiological | Total plate count, yeast & mold, E. coli, Salmonella |
| Loss on Drying | Gravimetric |
| Particle Size | Sieve analysis (as applicable) |
Final inspection is performed before each shipment to verify that packaging integrity, labeling accuracy, and documentation meet export requirements. This multi-layered approach provides downstream buyers with the confidence needed for regulatory filings, private-label launches, and international distribution.
Packaging, Storage & Handling
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Standard Pack | 25 kg per fiber drum with double-layer PP bag liner |
| Smaller Quantities | Custom packing available (foil bag for < 5 kg; PP bag + carton for 5–25 kg) |
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry place; protect from direct sunlight and moisture; ≤ 25 °C recommended |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from manufacture when stored as directed |
| Handling | Avoid prolonged exposure to heat and UV light; use in well-ventilated area during weighing |
Proper storage preserves the deep purple color intensity and bioactive potency of Alkannin 98% over the full shelf life.
Shipping & Delivery Options
The Extract Factory offers flexible logistics to accommodate orders of any scale — from R&D samples to full container loads.
| Cargo Weight | Packing Configuration | Shipping Method | Estimated Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 – 50 kg | Foil bag (< 5 kg) or double-layer PP bag + master carton/cardboard drum (5–25 kg) | International Express (FedEx / DHL / UPS) | 7 – 10 business days |
| 100 – 200 kg | 25 kg/drum, double-layer PP bag + cardboard drum | Air Freight | 7 – 10 business days |
| 500 kg+ | 25 kg/drum, double-layer PP bag + cardboard drum | Ocean Freight (FCL / LCL) | 20 – 45 business days |
All shipments include packing list, commercial invoice, and certificate of analysis (COA) where applicable. Customers are responsible for applicable import duties and regulatory clearance in their destination country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a sample of Alkannin 98% before placing a bulk order?
Absolutely. The Extract Factory provides 10 g samples for evaluation. The sample is offered at no charge; the customer covers the shipping cost. This allows procurement teams and R&D formulators to assess color, solubility, and compatibility before committing to a full order.
What payment methods do you accept?
We support T/T (bank transfer), Credit Card, Western Union, PayPal, and other negotiated payment terms. Payment details and pro forma invoices are issued upon order confirmation.
How do you ensure consistent quality across batches?
With over ten years of dedicated experience in plant extract manufacturing, The Extract Factory operates a fully documented quality control system — from raw material intake through in-process checks to final release testing. Every batch of Alkannin 98% is verified against specification before dispatch, and we retain retention samples for traceability.
Do you offer OEM or custom packaging services?
Yes. We accept OEM and private-label orders, including custom assay specifications, branded packaging, and tailored labeling. Share your requirements and our team will provide a competitive quotation and produce samples promptly.
How can I contact your sales team?
You can reach us via email, Skype, or WhatsApp. For direct inquiries, product questions, or quote requests, please write to: [email protected]
Why Choose The Extract Factory as Your Alkannin 98% Supplier?
- Over 6 years of dedicated production experience with Alkannin / Shikonin extracts
- Traceable raw material sourcing from verified Alkanna tinctoria cultivation zones
- Food-grade manufacturing with documented QC protocols and batch-level COAs
- Flexible order sizes — from 10 g samples to multi-tonne container shipments
- Global logistics support — express, air, and sea freight to major markets
- OEM-ready capability for private-label and contract manufacturing partners
Whether you are a dietary supplement brand, a cosmetics formulator, a pharmaceutical ingredient distributor, or a food-color manufacturer, Alkannin 98% from The Extract Factory provides the purity, consistency, and supply reliability your business demands.
Get in touch today to discuss your requirements, request a sample, or obtain a formal quotation.
