Codonopsis - Extractpowder
Processing
The Codonopsis pilosula plant, also known as 'Dang Shen', Codonopsis or 'Poor Man's Ginseng', is not a member from the Araliaceae family and is therefore not a real ginseng. Because some adaptogene actions are comparable with those from real ginseng, it is called Poor Man's Ginseng.Codonopsis has many comparable actions with real ginseng, but they are weaker and finished sooner. Codonopsis is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to improve the functions of the lungs and the spleen.
After the dry Codonopsis roots have been analyzed and selected, they are worked into a concentrated extract according a carefully controlled extraction process.
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A highly controlled processing method ensures that the dry Codonopsis roots are processed into extract powders according approved standard processes. |
After extraction the alcohol is distilled from the liquid extract. Then the liquid extract is dried into an extract powder. According to this standard process, concentrated Codonopsis extract powders can be obtained with an extraction ratio from 5:1, 10:1 and 15:1.
Composition of extract powders
Codonopsis extract powders are only made from the dried roots of the plant.Apart from some exceptions, almost all basic Codonopsis extract powders are made without carriers or additives. At a customer's request a desired additive can still be added.
Packaging
For amounts less than 25 kg, Codonopsis extract powders are packed per 1 kg in airtight aluminum bags with PE-inner layer. Bags with 5 kg are also available.Larger bulk quantities are packed in standard plastic bags in cardboard boxes or barrels.
Properties
Regular Codonopsis extract powders poorly dissolve in water. With some adjustments in the production process it is possible to make extract powders that dissolve very well in water.The color of the powder is yellow-brown to brown.
The regular Codonopsis extract powders have a sweet taste, which is quite characteristic for Codonopsis.
A possible practical disadvantage from Codonopsis extract powders is that they are quite hygroscopic: they easy attract moisture from the air.
When not preserved the right way the powder is at risk of clotting together. Keeping it dry in closed packaging is therefore important.
Additives
To reduce the costs of the extract powder, adding filler is an option. The cheapest filler is ground rice flour.For technical and sometimes taste sensory reasons also other possible additives like: dicalcium phosphate, malto dextrin, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate or glucose powder are used. Of course other additives, carriers or fillers are possible too.
Another benefit of adding filler to the extract powder is that it can drastically decrease the hygroscopic nature of the product.
Dosage
In-vitro-tests have shown that the absorption of the active ingredients from extracts is double the absorption of dried roots or root powders. Counted in milligrams, this means that in order to get the same results a double dose of ground root powders is needed in comparison to extract powders.For optimal therapeutic results of Codonopsis extract powders with an extract ratio of 5:1 it is advised to take 2-4 grams daily. As a food supplement often a daily dosage of 500-1000 mg of this extract powder is advised.
Practical experiences have demonstrated that activity and effects of Codonopsis do not decline proportionally as a daily dose is lowered.
There is not really a dangerous (damaging) maximum daily dose set, but 50-100 mg of a concentrated extract powder is considered as a minimal dose. If you take less than this dosage a day it will most likely not contribute anything.
When mixed with other medicinal herbs, a lower dose of Codonopsis might be sufficient.
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