Herbfields Lithospermum erythrorhizon extracts specification：

In this era of pursuing nature and green, consumers pay more and more attention to the natural properties of daily necessities such as cosmetics and food. As a natural plant pigment, shikonin is becoming a hot topic of concern in various industries due to its unique biological activity and wide application prospects.

Lithospermum erythrorhizon is a perennial herb native to East Asia, such as China and Japan. Its roots contain a bright purple-red pigment - shikonin. This natural pigment is not only colorful but also has rich biological activity.

From ancient times to the present, shikonin has been widely used in oriental medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, shikonin is believed to have the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting blood circulation, and relieving pain, and can be used to treat various skin diseases, trauma, etc. Modern medical research has also confirmed that shikonin has many biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and promoting wound healing.

In addition to its application in the medical field, shikonin is also widely used in cosmetics, food, dyes, and other industries. Its bright purple-red color can be used as a natural pigment to replace some toxic and allergenic synthetic dyes; at the same time, shikonin also has good antioxidant and whitening effects and has important applications in skin care products. In addition, shikonin can also be used to dye textiles to add unique colors to them.

Extraction and application of shikonin

To extract high-purity and stable-quality shikonin from lithospermum root, advanced extraction technology is required. Generally, the extraction process of shikonin includes the following steps:

1. Raw material pretreatment: Wash, slice, or crush the fresh lithospermum root to increase the contact area.
2. Solvent extraction: Use environmentally friendly and non-toxic solvents such as ethanol and ethyl acetate to extract lithospermum root.
3. Separation and purification: Use chromatography, crystallization, and other technical means to separate high-purity shikonin from the extract.
4. Drying and packaging: Dry the separated shikonin crystals and vacuum pack them to ensure product quality.

Through such an extraction process, shikonin products with a purity of more than 80% can be obtained. This high-purity shikonin has a more stable color and biological activity and is widely used in various fields.

In the field of cosmetics, shikonin can be used as a natural pigment additive to add a charming purple-red color to skin care products, makeup, etc. At the same time, shikonin also has antioxidant, whitening, antibacterial, and other effects, which can enhance the functionality of cosmetics. Many well-known skincare brands use shikonin as one of the important active ingredients.

In the field of food, shikonin is also a popular natural pigment. It can not only add attractive color to food but also has antioxidant, antibacterial, and other health functions, providing consumers with safer and healthier food choices. At present, in the field of food, shikonin is also a popular natural pigment. It can not only add attractive color to food but also has antioxidant, antibacterial, and other health functions, providing consumers with safer and healthier food choices. At present, shikonin is widely used in various foods such as candy, beverages, ice cream, etc., adding a unique purple-red hue to the product.

In addition to cosmetics and food, shikonin also has important applications in the field of medicine. Studies have found that shikonin has multiple medicinal values ​​such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing. Some wound dressings and ointments use shikonin as the main ingredient to accelerate wound healing. In addition, shikonin can also be used to treat skin diseases, varicose veins, etc.

It is worth mentioning that shikonin is also widely used in the dye industry. As a natural dye, shikonin can be used to dye textiles, adding a unique purple-red hue to them. This natural dye is not only environmentally friendly and non-toxic but also has good light resistance and washing resistance. More and more fashion brands are beginning to use shikonin dyeing to meet consumers' demand for environmentally friendly fashion.

The market prospects of shikonin are broad

As consumers' demand for natural and green products continues to increase, shikonin, as a natural plant pigment and functional raw material, is receiving widespread attention from various industries.

According to industry research reports, the global shikonin market size is expected to reach US$280 million in 2025, with an annual compound growth rate of about 8%. Among them, cosmetics and personal care products account for the largest share, and the food and beverage industry is also showing a rapid growth trend.

In the field of cosmetics, consumers are increasingly favoring skin care products and makeup containing natural ingredients. As a natural pigment and functional ingredient, shikonin is favored by cosmetic brands. Many well-known skincare brands use shikonin as one of the important active ingredients to meet the needs of consumers.

In the food industry, natural pigments are also increasingly valued. Compared with some synthetic pigments, shikonin is not only safe and non-toxic but also has health functions such as antioxidant and antibacterial. More and more food companies are beginning to use shikonin as a natural pigment to add unique color and added value to their products.

In addition, in the fields of medicine, dyes, etc., shikonin also shows broad application prospects. Its rich biological activity and good safety make it a natural raw material sought after by various industries.

It can be said that shikonin, with its unique color and diverse functions, is becoming a precious gift from nature to mankind. With the increasing demand of consumers for green and healthy products, shikonin will surely shine in the future market.