Mucuna pruriens Extract
Mucuna pruriens is valued therapeutically for its L-Dopa content. L-Dopa is 3-Hydroxytyrosine or 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) or 2-Amino-3 (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) propionic acid.
L-Dopa (UV max 280 nm)
The seeds contain L-Dopa along with its precursors such as catcholamines and their congeners which have similar structures.
Catecholamine (UV max : 275 to 280 nm)
When an extract of Mucuna pruriens is prepared, along with L-Dopa, other chemically similar compounds are also extracted. All these compounds have the aromatic catecholamine structure and therefore will strongly absorb UV light at around 280 nm where L-Dopa absorption is maximum. When UV absorption measurements are taken, the results indicate the cumulative value of all these compounds, including L-Dopa.
Thus UV assay yields:
L-Dopa + All other similar compounds
Scientists at Sabinsa Corporation have now developed a validated HPLC method which can quantitate L-Dopa levels in the extract accurately. Extracts standardized for 10% and 15% L-Dopa are now available.
Calcium sennosides
Senna (Cassia senna L.) has a long history of use as a herbal laxative. Calcium sennosides, a recent addition to Sabinsa’s extensive range of herbal extracts offer the active principles of senna in the form of their calcium salts. This extract is standardized for a minimum of 20% sennosides.
Rosemary Extract
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has applications as an antioxidant, both internally and externally. The leaves contain potent antioxidant compounds such as carnosol, carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid.
Laboratory studies have established the inhibitory effects of rosemary extract on tumor generation and mutagenesis. The antimicrobial effects of rosemary extract have also been studied. Additionally, Rosemary extract provides antioxidant action as well as helps preserve skin texture, when used topically.
Sabinsa Corporation provides a standardized extract containing a minimum of 6.0% Carnosic acid, 1.0% Rosmarinic acid and 1.5% Ursolic acid.
