Verified assay purity, strict batch release certificates, and pharmaceutical monograph testing from Shaanxi ShineHerb Biotech Co., Ltd.
Scientific rigor, phytochemical standardization, and pharmacological validation. Engineered for formulators requiring reproducible therapeutic thresholds.
Nigella sativa (Black Cumin) seed contains a concentrated spectrum of bioactives. The primary pharmacological marker is Thymoquinone (TQ), accompanied by Thymohydroquinone (THQ), Dithymoquinone, p-Cymene, Carvacrol, and valuable unsaturated fatty acids (Linoleic and Oleic acids). Our extracts maintain bio-identical synergism through low-temperature isolation.
We deploy advanced Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE-CO2) and closed-loop hydro-ethanolic reflux systems. By operating under oxygen-free, sub-ambient or controlled cryogenic conditions, we avoid the oxidation of volatile terpenes and degradation of sensitive quinones, guaranteeing superior bioavailability and light-amber purity without harsh petroleum solvents.
Every lot manufactured in our Shaanxi facilities undergoes high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) assay identification, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for volatile fingerprinting, and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to guarantee ultra-low heavy metal content adhering to USP <232> limits.
| Analytical Parameter | USP / European Pharmacopoeia Standard | ShineHerb Certified Export Spec | Methodology |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thymoquinone (TQ) Content | Reported Value / ≥ 1.0% | 5.0% - 20.0% (Custom up to 98% Purity) | HPLC-UV / DAD (Monograph Standard) |
| Physical Appearance | Fine crystalline / Free flowing powder | Light brown to yellow-brown homogeneous powder | Visual & Organoleptic Analysis |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 5.0% | ≤ 3.5% | USP <731> Gravimetric (105°C, 2h) |
| Heavy Metals (Pb, As, Cd, Hg) | Pb ≤ 3.0 ppm, As ≤ 2.0 ppm, Cd ≤ 1.0 ppm, Hg ≤ 0.1 ppm | Total < 5.0 ppm (ICP-MS Verified) | USP <232> / EP 2.4.20 via ICP-MS |
| Residual Solvents | Meets USP <467> Class 1, 2, 3 Limits | Non-detectable / Ethanol < 500 ppm only | GC-Headspace Analysis |
| Microbiological Bioburden | Total Plate Count < 1,000 cfu/g; Yeast/Mold < 100 cfu/g | Total Plate < 500 cfu/g; Absence of E.Coli, Salmonella | USP <61> & <62> / ISO Standards |
| Aflatoxins (B1+B2+G1+G2) | ≤ 4.0 ppb (EU Standard) | Non-Detectable (< 0.5 ppb) | HPLC-FLD with Immunoaffinity Clean-up |
Harnessing Xi'an's historic herbal extraction legacy, cutting-edge precision refining, and industrial-scale cost efficiencies to power resilient global supply channels.
Equipped with high-throughput 6-ton automated continuous countercurrent extractors and German vacuum belt driers.
Two decades of dedicated process chemistry, extraction optimization, and international regulatory auditing experience.
Direct container shipping pipelines to Tier-1 distributors across North America, the European Union, LATAM, and APAC.
Direct contract farming models ensuring non-GMO, pesticide-monitored botanical raw materials from verified origins.
China represents the planetary center for advanced plant extraction infrastructure. Through centralized raw material procurement, energy-efficient distillation columns, and multi-ton capacity, ShineHerb mitigates the extreme price fluctuations typical in traditional Middle Eastern and South Asian trade centers, securing dependable multi-year contract pricing for our brand partners.
Stationed adjacent to Shaanxi's major research institutes (Northwest University, Xi'an Jiaotong University), our R&D center continuously pioneers molecular encapsulation, microencapsulation for masking bitter terpene notes, and liposomal carrier delivery platforms to enhance cellular uptake of black cumin actives.
We operate dual-origin raw material hedging: securing premium wild and cultivated Nigella seeds while sustaining a perpetual safety stock of standardized extracts in our climate-regulated warehouses. This guarantees rapid delivery cycles (air freight 3-5 days, ocean delivery 18-28 days) without production disruptions.
Bridging Chinese manufacturing excellence with turnkey regulatory dossiers designed for seamless qualification by Western Quality Assurance departments.
Every container of Nigella Sativa Extract ships with comprehensive technical registration packs: Detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Safety Data Sheet (SDS / MSDS under GHS standards), Process Flowcharts, BSE/TSE-Free declarations, Non-GMO verification, Allergen profiles, and Vegan/Cruelty-free statements.
We facilitate remote video audits and welcome on-site Quality Management visits. Our facilities operate under strict ISO9001:2015, HACCP, and cGMP protocols. Our batch records trace finished drums straight back to specific farm collection lots, seed cleaning reports, solvent recovery runs, and QC analytical technician logs.
Formulated to comply with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA Novel Food guidelines), US FDA Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA 21 CFR 111), Health Canada NHP monographs, Halal (JAKIM/MUI recognized), and Kosher requirements for global clean-label commercialization.
Engineered physical properties tailored to the unique manufacturing constraints of diverse formulation matrices.
Hard Capsules & Tablets: High-density granular Nigella Sativa Extract (80–100 mesh) featuring optimized bulk density (0.45–0.60 g/mL) for high-speed tablet compression and encapsulation without capping or sticking issues.
Pure Virgin & CO2 Cold-Pressed Oils: Clarified, low-acidity (Acid Value < 4.0 mg KOH/g), non-sedimenting black seed oils rich in TQ (0.5%–3.0%) and naturally stabilized against rancidity for premium clear softgels and dropper blends.
Micro-Encapsulated Water-Dispersible Powder: Completely soluble at room temperature, our microencapsulated grade forms crystal-clear or colloidal dispersions with neutral organoleptic impact, neutralizing Black Cumin's pungent aroma for daily shots and drink mixes.
Anti-Inflammatory Skincare: Standardized TQ acts as an exceptional inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase pathways, soothing acne-prone skin, rebalancing the scalp microbiome in trichology serums, and mitigating oxidative photodamage.
How progressive nutraceutical brands are navigating changing consumer expectations and tightening regulatory parameters.
Traditional raw black seed powders and crude oils are experiencing market displacement. Contemporary consumers and clinical practitioners demand titrated Thymoquinone assays. Procurement heads increasingly require quantified actives on batch COAs rather than generic extract ratios (e.g. 10:1 or 20:1), which can hide variable bioactivity.
Black Cumin extract has evolved beyond standalone products. Market demand centers on synergistic pairing: combining standardized Nigella Sativa with Curcumin, Boswellia, CoQ10, or Quercetin to form multi-targeted joint health, cardiovascular protection, insulin sensitivity, and upper-respiratory support complexes.
Global regulatory bodies are intensely scrutinizing synthetic TQ spiking and hexane solvent residues. ShineHerb's carbon-isotope validation and 100% natural plant extraction methodologies provide procurement executives with foolproof third-party verification (SGS/Eurofins tested) guaranteeing authenticity.
Detailed technical, analytical, and operational answers addressing the core concerns of QA managers, sourcing directors, and formulation scientists.
Thymoquinone can be sensitive to light, oxygen, and thermal extremes. We stabilize our extracts utilizing proprietary natural tocopherol inclusion and inert nitrogen blanketing during packaging. Batch stability is quantified via validated HPLC-DAD methods under ICH Q1A(R2) accelerated (40°C ± 2°C / 75% RH ± 5% RH) and long-term storage protocols, ensuring a 24 to 36-month shelf life without significant degradation.
Cold mechanical pressing yields a carrier-rich lipid oil typically containing 0.5%–1.5% Thymoquinone with higher free fatty acids. Supercritical Fluid CO2 (SFE) extraction selectively concentrates the essential terpene and quinone fraction at high yields without heat or chemical solvents, achieving TQ concentrations from 5% up to 20%+ in oil or crystal form, completely devoid of heavy sediment or degradation products.
Yes. For standard flowable powders, we offer standardized extracts utilizing pharmaceutical maltodextrin, acacia gum, or silica carriers. Alternatively, for brands maintaining strict clean-label or organic certifications, we formulate with non-GMO organic acacia fiber or supply 100% pure carrier-free crystallized fractions and cold-water dispersible liposomal powders.
We provide 50g–100g complimentary evaluation samples with batch-specific COAs for qualified commercial formulators and contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs). Commercial MOQs start at 1 kg for premium high-assay grades (e.g., TQ 20%–98%) and 25 kg (standard fiber drum) for standard dietary extract powders and oils.
Direct heat drying of seeds can produce harmful PAHs. ShineHerb uses indirect clean steam heat and low-temperature vacuum drying systems. Every production run destined for the European Union is pre-screened to ensure Benzo(a)pyrene < 10 ppb and sum of PAH4 < 50 ppb in strict alignment with Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915.
All powders are sealed in double pharma-grade low-density polyethylene (LDPE) food bags inside vacuum-sealed aluminum moisture-barrier bags, enclosed in durable cardboard fiber drums. Drum lids are tamper-sealed. For sensitive oils, nitrogen-flushed food-grade steel drums or IBC totes protect the product from ambient oxidation and thermal swings during intermodal transit.
Explore complementary active raw materials manufactured under unified cGMP, ISO, and pharmacopoeial analytical validation.