Wholesale Natural Shikimic Acid Manufacturers & Supplier

High-Purity Botanical Star Anise Extract (CAS 138-59-0) for Global Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic & Nutraceutical Industries

ShineHerb Biotech Manufacturing Facility Inside View

About Shaanxi ShineHerb Biotech Co., Ltd.

Your Trusted Global Partner in Enzyme Preparations & Natural Plant Extracts

Shaanxi ShineHerb Biotech Co., Ltd. is a professional, high-technology enterprise engaged in the deep research, standardized production, and global export of Enzyme preparations, Natural plant extracts, Vitamins, Amino acids, and Pharmaceutical intermediates. We are committed to providing global B2B customers with competitive pricing structures, stable and reliable product quality, and professional, efficient services.

With over 20 years of experience in the raw materials industry, ShineHerb Biotech continues to strengthen its technical capabilities and improve product quality. Our main products include Lactase, Bromelain, Pancreatin, Papain, Quercetin, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC), PQQ, and Glucosamine Sulfate 2KCL, among others. These premium ingredients are widely utilized in pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, functional beverages, cosmetics, and food additives.

At present, our products are exported to more than 50 countries and regions, including Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia, and have gained wide recognition and trust from customers worldwide.

2002 Established Year
50+ Export Countries
20+ Years Industry Experience

Natural Shikimic Acid: B2B Sourcing, Chemistry & Production Guide

A technical whitepaper analyzing the extraction methodologies, quality criteria, supply chain resilience, and cross-industry applications of botanical-derived Shikimic Acid.

1. Sourcing Matrix & Market Overview

Shikimic Acid (CAS number: 138-59-0, chemical formula: C7H10O5) is a highly critical trifunctional cyclohexanecarboxylic acid. Serving as a crucial chiral precursor in biochemical synthesis, its availability controls key therapeutic supply chains. Specifically, it is the primary precursor for the synthesis of Oseltamivir Phosphate (Tamiflu®), an essential antiviral agent against seasonal and pandemic influenza strains (such as H1N1, H5N1, and H3N2).

Historically, the commercial extraction of Shikimic Acid relies almost exclusively on the dry follicles of star anise (Illicium verum Hook. f.), an evergreen tree native to southwest China and northern Vietnam. At ShineHerb Biotech, we leverage this geographic advantage to establish a direct-from-origin sourcing pipeline, securing stable raw material costs and reliable chemical characteristics even during periods of high demand.

≥ 98.0%

HPLC Purity Grade

Star Anise

100% Botanical Origin

USP / EP

Compliant Standards

2. Technology Roadmap & Future Outlook

To ensure a reliable global supply of Shikimic Acid, the industry is utilizing two main production routes. At ShineHerb Biotech, we continuously study the transition from natural extraction to bio-based alternatives to optimize efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

Method A: Traditional Star Anise Solvent Extraction

This route uses water or ethanol-based extraction followed by adsorption chromatography, crystallization, and vacuum drying. It yields high-quality, natural-grade Shikimic Acid favored by premium cosmetic and nutraceutical manufacturers who require a clean label and a 100% plant-derived source. However, this process is vulnerable to seasonal crop yield fluctuations.

Method B: Microbial Fermentation (Synthetic Biology)

This route uses genetically engineered strains of Escherichia coli or Saccharomyces cerevisiae to bypass the shikimate kinase pathway, producing Shikimic Acid directly from glucose. Microbial fermentation provides a highly stable, weather-independent supply that is scalable for massive pharmaceutical requirements. However, it requires intensive purification to remove bacterial endotoxins.

Green Chemistry & Future Integration

The future of Shikimic Acid production involves combining solvent extraction with enzymatic conversion. By utilizing star anise processing waste, we aim to extract additional precursors and convert them enzymatically. This approach maximizes raw material utilization, reduces carbon footprints, and ensures a sustainable supply chain.

3. Macro Industry Solutions

Shikimic Acid plays an essential role across three primary industries, each requiring specific purity grades and quality control measures:

Pharmaceutical Synthesis

Acts as the key starting material for Oseltamivir. Crucial requirements include strict limits on related organic impurities, zero chlorinated solvent residues, and excellent crystalline stability to ensure downstream synthesis yields remain optimal.

Cosmetic Formulations

Used as an alternative to Alpha/Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHAs/BHAs). It offers excellent exfoliation, anti-acne benefits, and sebum regulation without causing skin irritation. Highly suitable for sensitive skin formulations.

Nutraceuticals & Health Supplements

Utilized for its natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, frequently compounded into premium formulations targeted at supporting respiratory health and immune function.

4. Typical Technical Specifications

Our batch-to-batch consistency is ensured through rigorous analytical testing. Below is the standard specification sheet for our high-purity natural Shikimic Acid:

Analysis Parameter Specification Target Methodology / Device
Appearance White to off-white crystalline powder Visual Inspection
Assay (Purity) ≥ 98.0% (on dry basis) HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography)
Specific Rotation -175° to -183° Polarimetry
Loss on Drying ≤ 1.0% Oven Drying (105°C, 3 hours)
Residue on Ignition ≤ 0.2% Muffle Furnace Ashing
Heavy Metals (Pb, As, Cd, Hg) ≤ 10 ppm total ICP-MS
Residual Solvents (Ethanol) ≤ 0.5% (5000 ppm) Headspace Gas Chromatography (HS-GC)

5. China Factory 4.0: Supply Chain Resilience

ShineHerb Biotech operates a state-of-the-art processing facility in Shaanxi, utilizing China's advanced manufacturing capabilities to ensure consistent quality and reliable delivery. Our production lines feature:

  • Automated Extraction Lines: Closed-loop solvent extraction systems prevent batch contamination and ensure stable extraction yields.
  • Real-Time Quality Controls: Continuous monitoring of critical crystallization parameters ensures uniform particle size distribution and fast dissolution rates.
  • Eco-Friendly Operations: Integrated water recycling and biomass combustion systems minimize waste and lower production costs.

6. Global Sourcing, Regulatory Compliance & Local Support

We provide full documentation and regulatory support to streamline international sourcing and compliance requirements:

  • Comprehensive Documentation: We provide full COAs, MSDS, process flow charts, and BSE/TSE-free certificates for every batch.
  • Regulatory Standards Support: Our analytical laboratories verify compliance with EP, USP, and JP monographs.
  • Efficient Logistics: We offer comprehensive shipping options including air, sea, and rail transport, with complete DDP/DDU customs clearance support.

Our Advantages & Quality System

Why global pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutritional brands partner with ShineHerb Biotech.

Stable Product Quality

We maintain a strict quality management system covering raw materials, production, and testing to ensure compliance with international pharmacopoeia standards (USP, EP, CP).

20+ Years Technical Support

Our experienced scientific team supports customer projects from early R&D formulation through pilot scale-up and full commercial production.

GMP & Global Compliance

Our facilities run on certified Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and hold leading global quality certificates: ISO, FDA, HACCP, Kosher, Halal, and SGS.

Global Certification & Standard Approvals

ISO Certification Seal

ISO Certified

International Industry Quality Standards

GMP Certification Seal

GMP Standard

Good Manufacturing Practices Compliance

SGS Certification Seal

SGS Audited

Rigorous Material Testing & Verification

Halal Certification Seal

HALAL Approved

Fully Compliant for Muslim Consumers

OEM & ODM Custom Manufacturing Services

From Fine Raw Materials to Finished Private Label Supplements

ShineHerb Biotech offers full-format customized manufacturing services to streamline your product development from formulation through to final packaging.

Key Service Capabilities:
  • Custom Formulations: Powders, Tablets, Hard/Soft Capsules, and Gummies
  • Private Labeling: Custom packaging design and labeling tailored to target markets
  • Scalable Production: Flexible options ranging from small pilot runs to large commercial batches
  • Global Compliance: Clean-label formulations designed to meet US, EU, and Asian market regulations

Partner with us to develop high-quality, market-ready supplements featuring natural active ingredients.

Premium OEM ODM Supplement Manufacturing Showcase

Product Categories & Hot Products

We supply a diverse range of active ingredients for the food, supplement, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Enzymes

Stable activity, customizable specifications. Available in Food, Feed, Pharma, and Cosmetic grades (FCC, FDA, Halal, Kosher certified).

Plant Extracts

Nature-derived active ingredients supporting weight management, immune function, cognitive health, and beauty formulations.

Nutritional Raw Materials

Premium amino acids, vitamins, minerals, sweeteners, and probiotic strains supporting comprehensive supplement formulations.

Cosmetic Ingredients

High-performance peptides and botanical extracts for anti-aging, antioxidant protection, skin brightening, and exfoliation.

Our Top-Selling Ingredients

Food Grade Lactase Enzyme Powder

Food Grade Lactase Enzyme

Stable Lactase Activity

View Details
Natural Natto Extract Nattokinase

Natural Natto Extract Nattokinase

Premium Cardiovascular Support

View Details
High-quality Bromelain Enzyme

High-quality Bromelain Enzyme

Pineapple Extracted Protease

View Details
Food Additive Papain Enzyme

Food Additive Papain Enzyme

High Activity Proteolytic Agent

View Details
Global Logistics Shipping Containers Air Cargo

Global Logistics Infrastructure

Reliable International Shipping and Customs Management

We work with leading logistics networks to ensure safe, temperature-monitored, and timely delivery of active ingredients to manufacturing facilities worldwide.

Express Couriers

FedEx, DHL, UPS, and EMS for sample evaluation and high-priority shipping.

Air & Sea Cargo

Cost-effective options for bulk orders, featuring automated tracking and thermal packaging.

Rail Transport

Direct cargo rail shipping to key distribution hubs across Central Asia and Europe.

DDP / DDU Services

Door-to-door delivery with customs clearance and duty pre-payment support.

Factory Inspection & Product Videos

Get an inside look at our advanced manufacturing lines and quality assurance facilities.

ShineHerb Biotech Factory Overview

Ingredient Extraction Process Video

Technical & Commercial FAQ

Common questions regarding the sourcing, specifications, and regulatory compliance of our natural ingredients.

What is the primary botanical origin of ShineHerb Biotech's Shikimic Acid?
Our Shikimic Acid (CAS 138-59-0) is derived from the dry follicles of Star Anise (Illicium verum Hook. f.), native to southwest China. We use a standardized botanical extraction process to ensure a 100% natural, clean-label product.
How do you guarantee batch-to-batch quality and purity?
Every production batch undergoes comprehensive laboratory analysis. We use High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to verify active purity, Headspace Gas Chromatography (HS-GC) for residual solvents, and ICP-MS to ensure heavy metals fall well within USP and EP limits.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for bulk orders?
Our standard packaging is 25 kg fiber drums with double polyethylene inner bags. We accommodate custom packaging and trial batches starting from 1 kg for formulation trials and analytical verification.
How does Shikimic Acid perform in cosmetic applications compared to traditional acids?
Shikimic Acid is an effective exfoliant and sebum regulator that is gentler than salicylic or glycolic acids. It helps manage oil production and smooth skin texture without causing significant redness or irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin formulations.
What documentation do you provide for international customs and regulatory approval?
We provide a complete documentation package for every shipment, including a Certificate of Analysis (COA), Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), detailed Process Flow Charts, Allergen Statements, and BSE/TSE-Free Certificates to facilitate smooth customs clearance.

Our Complete Specialty Ingredients Range

Explore our wider catalog of active botanical extracts, anti-aging compounds, and clean-label sweeteners.

Establish a Resilient Active Ingredient Supply Chain

Partner with ShineHerb Biotech for direct-from-origin star anise extraction, strict analytical testing, and reliable global delivery. Contact our procurement team today to request samples, specification sheets, and bulk pricing options.

Request Spec Sheets & Samples