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An authoritative review of CAS 138-59-0 production methodologies, trade dynamics, and global supply stability.
Shikimic Acid (3,4,5-trihydroxy-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid) is a vital cyclohexanecarboxylic acid occurring naturally in many plants. It is a highly coveted chiral carbon-skeleton building block. The most prominent pharmaceutical application of Shikimic Acid is as the key starting material for the multi-step chemical synthesis of Oseltamivir Phosphate (Tamiflu), a neuraminidase inhibitor widely deployed globally for the prevention and treatment of Influenza A and Influenza B. As the pharmaceutical industry confronts recurring global pathogenic threats, maintaining a resilient and high-purity supply chain of Shikimic Acid remains a primary strategic objective for procurement officers worldwide.
Beyond traditional antiviral synthesis, modern biotechnology has unlocked new applications for this versatile molecule. Synthetic biology platforms are exploring Shikimic Acid derivatives for novel oncology therapeutics, complex natural product syntheses, and bio-based polymeric materials. The commercial landscape is divided between traditional botanical extraction methods and modern microbial fermentation, with leading global manufacturers striving to balance efficiency, environmental sustainability, and product purity.
Historically, the commercial extraction of Shikimic Acid was heavily reliant on the harvesting of Chinese Star Anise (Illicium verum Hook. f.), which yields approximately 3% to 7% Shikimic Acid on a dry weight basis. However, botanical supply chains are inherently vulnerable to climate volatility, crop disease, seasonal harvest limits, and pricing fluctuations. To mitigate these risks, Shaanxi ShineHerb Biotech Co., Ltd. has pioneered advanced hybrid pipelines that leverage both traditional, highly optimized solvent extraction processes and advanced microbiological fermentation using engineered strains of Escherichia coli or Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This dual-source capacity ensures that global pharmaceutical and cosmetic buyers enjoy price stability and guaranteed year-round inventory, independent of external agricultural shocks.
Your Strategic Bulk API Intermediate Partner in Xi'an High-Tech Zone
Established in 2002, Shaanxi ShineHerb Biotech Co., Ltd. has developed into a leading high-tech manufacturer specializing in botanical extracts, high-purity enzyme preparations, vitamins, organic amino acids, and high-value pharmaceutical intermediates. Headquartered in the world-class Hi-Tech Industry Zone of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, our manufacturing capabilities leverage China’s rich regional botanical resources and cutting-edge biotechnology hubs to supply critical chemical compounds to over 50 countries worldwide.
Our infrastructure is designed for high-throughput refinement, utilizing state-of-the-art multi-stage counter-current extraction, membrane separation, and crystallization technologies. This allows us to scale raw botanical inputs into standardized, pharmaceutical-grade powders that meet stringent USP, EP, and CP requirements. By integrating supply chains from local organic plantations directly to our GMP-certified purification plants, we offer unprecedented price competitiveness, batch consistency, and security of supply for global manufacturers.
Operating out of China's primary herb-processing corridor provides Shaanxi ShineHerb Biotech with a distinct logistical and technological advantage. Over 80% of the world's Chinese Star Anise is cultivated in Southwest China, granting our processing units immediate geographical access to fresh raw materials. This eliminates long-distance transport costs and degradation of active compounds. Furthermore, China's robust industrial ecosystem provides us with highly cost-effective energy structures, advanced automated processing equipment, and a pool of experienced chemical engineers. These factors translate to significant savings and reliable scaling for our international procurement clients.
Verified physical and chemical profiles of Shaanxi ShineHerb Biotech's Shikimic Acid CAS 138-59-0
| Analytical Parameter | Specification Target Value | Testing Methodology (Compendial) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Fine White to Off-White Crystalline Powder | Visual Inspection |
| Assay (Purity) | ≥ 98.0% (Pharma Grade); ≥ 95.0% (Cosmetic Grade) | HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) |
| CAS Number | 138-59-0 | Verified CAS Registry |
| Molecular Formula | C7H10O5 | Mass Spectrometry Validation |
| Specific Rotation | -160.0° to -180.0° | Polarimetry |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 1.0% | USP <731> (Gravimetric oven drying) |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm (Pb ≤ 2ppm, As ≤ 1ppm, Hg ≤ 0.1ppm) | ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) |
| Total Plate Count | ≤ 1000 cfu/g (Microbial limit controls) | USP <61> Microbial Enumeration |
| Yeasts & Molds | ≤ 100 cfu/g | USP <61> Microbial Enumeration |
| Residual Solvents | Meets USP <467> Guidelines for Class 2/3 Solvents | GC-FID (Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection) |
*Note: Individual Batch Certificates of Analysis (COA) are provided with every delivery shipment. Custom mesh sizes and solvent residues can be engineered upon client request.
How global industries integrate Shikimic Acid into consumer products, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural processes
Serving as the core chiral starting building block, Shikimic Acid is converted via chemical esterification and azidation steps into the active structures of neuraminidase inhibitors. This makes it an indispensable commodity for national stockpiles and flu medication manufacturing.
In high-end skincare, Shikimic Acid acts as a natural exfoliating agent, showing performance similar to Glycolic Acid (AHA) but with significantly reduced dermal irritation. It suppresses sebum production, acts as an acne-fighting compound, and has demonstrated potent antioxidant properties.
With global green initiatives expanding, Shikimic Acid is utilized by polymer materials research institutes to synthesize bio-based, biodegradable polyamides and performance plastics, reducing dependency on fossil-fuel starting chemicals.
A transparent look inside our extraction labs, milling workshops, and high-performance quality verification rooms
Our operations comply with international standards to ensure product safety, quality, and complete traceability
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Good Manufacturing Practice • Rigid Production Standards
High-Quality Products with Kosher Certification for All Dietary Needs
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Rigorous Quality Control Verified by a Global Leader in Inspection
Suitable for Muslim Consumers • Pure & Clean • Expand Your Market Reach in MENA Regions
Flexible supply services tailored to meet individual brand specifications and deliver direct to global warehouses
From formulation and packaging design to finished product manufacturing, Shaanxi ShineHerb Biotech handles the complete manufacturing loop. We support multiple dosage formats, including:
Our dedicated shipping department manages customs clearance, hazardous chemical filings (where applicable), and international transit regulations, offering diverse transport options:
Inspect our operational processes and high-purity chemical manufacturing lines firsthand
Expert technical answers regarding sourcing, specifications, and supply logistics for Shikimic Acid
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