Plant extracts are products obtained from plants that contain specific functional components through particular extraction and separation processes. They are typically in powder or granular form, with some products also available in liquid or oil form. Depending on the extraction process and product characteristics, plant extracts can be classified into categories such as simple extracts, standardized extracts, and quantifiable extracts. They can also be categorized by their form, including solid, liquid, and soft extracts.
01 Development of the Plant Extract Market
Since the 1980s, developed countries such as the United States and Europe have seen the industrialization of plant extract production. As concerns about the side effects of chemical synthetic products increased, natural plant extracts gradually gained popularity. In 1994, the United States officially recognized plant extracts as dietary supplements with the passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, which significantly boosted the rapid development of this industry.
China’s plant extract industry started later. It wasn’t until the 1970s that some pharmaceutical factories began using mechanical equipment to extract plant components. In the mid-1990s, China began to open up to foreign trade, and the plant extract industry gradually expanded. After entering the 21st century, with rising living standards and increasing health awareness, the demand for plant extracts grew significantly. The application of new technologies such as enzymatic extraction, ultrasonic extraction, and supercritical extraction greatly improved production efficiency.
According to data from Innova, the annual growth rate of plant ingredients in food and beverages globally was 8% from 2014 to 2018. The Latin American market experienced the fastest growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24%. The sports nutrition sector also became the fastest-growing market for plant ingredients, with a CAGR of 25% in 2018.
02 Applications of Plant Extracts
Plant extracts come in a wide variety and have multiple functions. Common applications include coloring, flavoring, pharmacological effects, health benefits, and dietary supplements.
3.1 Coloring
Plant pigments are the components in plants responsible for color and are widely used in industries such as food and cosmetics. Common plant colorants include curcumin, safflower yellow, and radish red.
3.2 Flavoring
Certain components in plant extracts, such as sweeteners and volatile substances, can provide unique flavors. Natural sweeteners like stevia glycosides and monk fruit extract have become alternatives to sucrose, while essential oils are widely used in spices and cosmetics.
3.3 Pharmacological Effects
Active components in plant extracts are widely used in drug development, especially in traditional Chinese medicine. For example, compounds like scopolamine and paclitaxel have become important pharmaceutical ingredients.
3.4 Health Benefits
Active components in plant extracts, such as glycosides, flavonoids, and polyphenols, exhibit various biological activities that promote health, making them an essential source of health benefits.
3.5 Dietary Supplements
Plant extracts are widely used in dietary supplements, such as prebiotics and fructooligosaccharides, which support gut health.
03 Challenges Facing the Industry
Although the demand for plant extracts is rapidly growing, the industry also faces several challenges. First, different countries and regions have varying regulations, leading to differences in the application of plant extracts. For example, in North America, plant extracts are mainly used in dietary supplements, while in Europe, they are predominantly used in health products and plant-based pharmaceuticals. In China, they are primarily used in traditional Chinese medicine and as food additives.
Second, there is an imbalance in processing and technology within the industry. China mainly produces crude extracts, while deep-processing products still face technical and regulatory limitations, resulting in relatively weak international competitiveness.
Lastly, the plant extract industry lacks a complete supporting system, with industry standards and regulations not yet unified. Product quality varies, and the industry urgently needs further standardization.
