Standardized Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Seed Extract with Saponins 50% specifications. Sourced through qualified production partners for dietary supplement manufacturers.
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Available Specifications
Per FNG-001 (Verified 2026-09-20):
| Specification Level | Active Marker |
| Fenugreek Seed Extract Saponins 50% (Standard) | UV-Vis |
| Fenugreek Seed Extract 4-Hydroxyisoleucine 20% (Premium) | HPLC |
| Fenugreek Seed Extract 10:1 (Concentrated Powder) | Concentration ratio |
Specifications subject to product requirements and destination-market regulations.
Specification Snapshot
| Botanical source | Trigonella foenum-graecum |
| Part used | Seed |
| Active marker | Saponins (furostanol-type) and 4-Hydroxyisoleucine |
| Form | Yellow to brown fine powder |
| CAS No. | 535-34-2 (Fenugreek seed extract) |
Technical Specifications
| Test Item | Specification | Method |
| Appearance | Yellow to brown fine powder | Visual |
| Odor & Taste | Characteristic, slightly bitter | Organoleptic |
| Total Saponins | ≥ 50.0% | UV-Vis |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 5.0% | USP <731> |
| Heavy Metals (Pb/As/Cd/Hg) | ≤ 3/1/1/0.1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Total Plate Count | ≤ 1,000 CFU/g | USP <2021> |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤ 100 CFU/g | USP <2021> |
| E. coli / Salmonella | Negative | USP <2022> |
All specifications subject to product specification and destination-market requirements.
Quality & Documentation
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) per batch with UV-Vis verification of Saponins
- Heavy metals testing panel (Pb, As, Cd, Hg) via ICP-MS
- Microbiology panel per USP
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) documentation
- Non-GMO statement
- Allergen statement (Fenugreek is a legume allergen)
- Pesticide residue testing (multi-residue screen)
- Third-party SGS testing available upon request
Applications
Sports & Active Nutrition
Used in testosterone and body-composition formulations. Saponins 50% grade pairs with Tribulus, Ashwagandha, and Maca in performance blends. Typical use level 250–500 mg per serving.
Metabolic & Women's Health
The 4-Hydroxyisoleucine 20% grade is positioned for metabolic and glycemic-response formulations. Galactomannan fiber content supports digestive health positioning. Saponins 50% grade is also used in women's wellness and traditional lactation-support formulations.
Functional Food & Beverage
De-bittered variant is suitable for beverages, gummies, and chewables where the characteristic maple-sotolone note is undesired. Bulk density and dispersibility are confirmed per lot.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Topical use in scalp and skin formulations leveraging the skin-compatibility profile of the saponin fraction. Allergen declaration (legume) is provided for finished-product labeling.
Why Work with a Sourcing Partner, Not a Factory
Fenugreek extract quality varies more than most buyers realize — between producers, between harvest years, and between the two main specifications on the market. Most "manufacturers" you find online are actually traders selling under their own brand, with limited visibility into the production batch you receive.
As a sourcing partner, we sit between you and the production partner. For Fenugreek this means:
- Two specifications, one botanical. Saponins 50% (UV) and 4-Hydroxyisoleucine 20% (HPLC) are sourced from different production runs and graded independently. We can quote both or recommend one for your formulation target.
- Producer qualification we maintain. Our production partners hold FSSC 22000 or equivalent; each is re-qualified annually with on-site audits of extraction, drying, and packaging lines.
- Third-party COA, not producer-issued. Every batch is verified by SGS (or equivalent) for saponin assay, heavy metals, microbiology, and pesticide residue before shipment. The COA you receive is the third-party result.
- Pre-shipment sample for first orders. 100g sample, your assay, your written approval — then bulk production starts.
- Documentation that travels. COA, MSDS, allergen (legume), Non-GMO, and EU regulatory note bundled with every shipment.
Supply & Ordering
- Sample Availability: 25-100g samples available; standard samples ship within 5-7 business days.
- Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 25 kg for standard specifications; smaller quantities for evaluation.
- Lead Time: 7-15 business days from order confirmation.
- Packaging: 25 kg fiber drum with double food-grade PE liner; custom packaging available.
- Shipping: Worldwide shipping via air, sea, or courier; documentation prepared for customs clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What's the difference between Saponins 50% and 4-Hydroxyisoleucine 20%?
The Saponins 50% grade is standardized for total furostanol saponins (UV-Vis method), while 4-Hydroxyisoleucine 20% is standardized for the specific amino acid derivative (HPLC method). Different active markers for different formulation targets.
Q2: What is 4-Hydroxyisoleucine?
4-Hydroxyisoleucine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid found in fenugreek seeds. It is considered a characteristic marker compound for standardized fenugreek extracts.
Q3: Can Fenugreek Seed Extract be combined with other ingredients?
Fenugreek Seed Extract is commonly combined with Tribulus, Ashwagandha, and Maca in sports nutrition formulations. We recommend consulting with your formulation team.
Q4: What's the regulatory status in the EU?
Fenugreek Seed Extract is permitted as a food supplement ingredient in the EU. Specific regulatory status depends on intended application and labeling.
Q5: How is Saponin content measured?
Total Saponins content is quantified via UV-Vis spectroscopy per industry-standard methods.
Q6: What's the typical MOQ?
Standard MOQ is 25 kg. Smaller quantities (5-10 kg) are available for evaluation.
Q7: Do you offer custom specifications?
Yes. Custom specifications (e.g., specific Saponin content, particle size, packaging) can be discussed with our coordination team.
Q8: What documentation is available?
Standard documentation includes COA, MSDS, allergen statement (Fenugreek is a legume allergen), Non-GMO statement. Additional documentation available upon request from production partners.
Q9: How do I evaluate a Fenugreek extract supplier before placing a bulk order?
Three checks matter most: (1) Botanical identity — confirm Trigonella foenum-graecum seed and ask for the assay method (UV vs HPLC give different numbers for the same material). (2) Batch documentation — request the most recent COA and verify heavy metals, microbiology, and pesticide residue against your destination market's limits. (3) Sample-to-spec consistency — order a 100g sample, run your own assay, and compare before committing. We supply all three as standard for qualified B2B projects.
Q10: Which grade should I choose — Saponins 50% or 4-Hydroxyisoleucine 20%?
It depends on the active you want to lead with. The 50% Saponins grade is standard for sports nutrition, men's health, and general metabolic positioning. The 4-Hydroxyisoleucine 20% grade is targeted at metabolic and glycemic-response formulations where the amino acid is the primary active. A de-bittered variant is available for beverages and gummies. Contact us with your formulation target and we can recommend.
Q11: What documentation do you provide for EU regulatory compliance?
For EU-bound orders we prepare: COA with EU-spec heavy metals and microbiology, MSDS, allergen statement (Fenugreek is a legume, declared), Non-GMO statement, and a regulatory status note covering Novel Food and traditional use. We do not make health claims; documentation is structured to support your finished-product compliance, not substitute for it.
Our Sourcing Process for Fenugreek Extract
Six steps from inquiry to shipment. Every Fenugreek order follows the same process — the difference between a good and a bad extract usually shows up in steps 2 and 4.
- Inquiry review. You send target specification, application, and destination market. We confirm we can supply to that spec or recommend an alternative.
- Producer assignment. Based on the spec, we assign the producer with the most relevant capability (e.g., Saponins 50% UV vs 4-HI 20% HPLC are different production lines).
- Sample dispatch. 25–100g sample shipped within 5–7 business days. Sample includes producer's COA; you run your own assay to confirm.
- Pre-shipment third-party verification. After your sample approval, bulk production starts. Before shipment, a sample is sent to SGS (or equivalent) for the full COA panel: saponin assay, heavy metals, microbiology, pesticide residue.
- Documentation bundle. COA, MSDS, allergen statement, Non-GMO, and a regulatory status note for your destination market — all prepared in advance.
- Shipment & follow-up. Shipping by air, sea, or courier. We track the shipment and check in after delivery to confirm the material matches the documentation.
Related Resources
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Compliance Note
Data marked as "typical" reflects industry standards; specific values vary by supplier and batch. Documentation including COA, MSDS, allergen, and Non-GMO documentation is available upon request from production partners.
About Nourish Ingredients: We are a China-based sourcing partner for botanical extracts and nutraceutical ingredients. We coordinate supply for international brands — from specification matching to delivery. Production partners maintain FSSC 22000, BRCGS, EU Organic, USDA Organic, FAMI-QS certifications. Documentation available upon request.
For ingredient sourcing inquiries: ashely@nourishingr.com
Reviewed by: Nourish Ingredients Editorial Team Version: 2.3 Last updated: 2026-09-20