The provision of free samples for botanical extracts such as Andrographis paniculata extract powder is a common practice within the nutraceutical and supplement industry, primarily aimed at business-to-business (B2B) clients, manufacturers, and formulators. This article examines the availability of such samples based on the provided source material, detailing the specifications of the product, the typical access methods for free samples, and the intended applications of the extract. The information is derived exclusively from the source documents, which focus on bulk ingredient suppliers and manufacturers.
Product Specifications and Characteristics
Andrographis paniculata extract powder is a botanical ingredient derived from the whole herb or leaf of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees. The source material provides specific details regarding its physical properties, active components, and standardisation.
Appearance and Form The extract is presented as a powder, with specifications indicating it can be either white or brown in colour, or described as a yellowish-white to light-brown fine powder. It is available in various forms, including fine powder and granules.
Active Ingredients and Standardisation The primary active compound identified is andrographolide. The concentration of andrographolide varies across different supplier specifications. Source [1] lists a specification range of 10% to 98% (HPLC). Source [4] specifies a high-purity extract standardised to ≥98% andrographolide (HPLC), with customised ratios available. Source [5] offers a wider range of standardisations, including 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, and 90% andrographolides. The test method consistently cited is High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
Solubility and Packaging The extract is available in both water-soluble and oil-soluble forms, depending on the supplier and specific requirements. Packaging options mentioned include fiber drums, cartons, foil bags, and 25 kg drums. For commercial quantities, lead times are typically short, ranging from 3 to 7 working days.
Regulatory and Quality Information The sources indicate that the product is intended for medical, health care, or dietary supplement use. It is noted that dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing any disease. Suppliers often provide supporting documentation such as Certificates of Analysis (COA), Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and Technical Data Sheets (TDS) to ensure quality and compliance.
Availability of Free Samples
The provision of free samples is explicitly mentioned in the source data, though the context is predominantly B2B. The following points detail the availability based on the sources.
Explicit Offers of Free Samples Source [1] states clearly: "Sample: Free sample available." This indicates that the supplier of the Andrographis paniculata extract powder listed in this source offers free samples to potential clients. Source [2] also confirms this practice, stating: "We support testing and offer free samples." This supplier, identified as having a US branch and warehouse, markets to global brands and emphasises reliability and fast delivery.
Typical Recipients and Access Methods The free samples are generally intended for: * B2B Clients: Manufacturers of dietary supplements, functional foods, and pharmaceutical products. Source [4] specifies that the extract is developed for "nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and functional food manufacturers." * Formulators and Researchers: Individuals or companies developing new products that require ingredient testing for compatibility, solubility, and efficacy. * Existing Partners: Suppliers mention being "trusted by global brands such as Usana, Amway, and Isagenix," suggesting that established business relationships may be a pathway to accessing samples.
Process for Obtaining Samples The sources do not provide a direct online request form for free samples. Instead, they typically require direct contact. Source [2] instructs: "If you need Andrographis Paniculata Powder, please contact us." Similarly, Source [4] mentions supporting "commercial samples" as part of their service for project acceleration. Interested parties would need to reach out via the contact information provided on the respective supplier websites to inquire about sample availability, specifications, and shipping arrangements.
Geographic and Eligibility Considerations The provided sources do not specify geographic restrictions for sample distribution. However, Source [2] mentions a US warehouse and global delivery capabilities, and Source [6] details shipping from Las Vegas and Nashville with international delivery times. This suggests that while the primary operations may be US-based, international shipping, including to the UK, is likely feasible. Eligibility is likely tied to legitimate business or research intent rather than personal consumer use, given the B2B focus of the suppliers.
Intended Applications and Uses
The source material outlines several traditional and researched applications for Andrographis paniculata extract, which inform why samples might be requested.
Traditional and Documented Uses Source [1] lists traditional medicinal uses, including heat-clearing, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and swelling and pain-relieving effects. Specific conditions mentioned for treatment include bacillary dysentery, urinary tract infection, acute tonsillitis, enteritis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, influenza, sores, boils, swollen poison, and trauma infection.
Modern Health and Wellness Applications Source [5] highlights key features and applications for the extract in modern formulations: * Immunomodulatory: Enhances immune response and supports natural defence. * Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation and may support joint health. * Hepatoprotective: Traditionally used for liver detox and function. * Antimicrobial: Natural support against microbial infections. * Respiratory Wellness: Supports respiratory health.
Specific product applications cited include immune system boosters, cold and flu relief supplements, inflammatory response formulations, liver health support products, and herbal capsules and tablets.
Research and Studies Source [5] notes that Andrographis extract has been "extensively studied" for immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Clinical research is mentioned as demonstrating efficacy in supporting respiratory health and reducing the duration and severity of common cold symptoms.
Considerations for UK Consumers and Businesses
While the primary market for these bulk ingredients is B2B, UK-based supplement manufacturers, herbalists, or small-scale formulators may be able to access these samples for product development. The process typically involves direct business-to-business communication with the supplier.
It is important to note that the provided source material does not include information about consumer-facing free sample programmes for finished Andrographis supplement products. The available data pertains solely to the raw ingredient powder. Therefore, UK consumers seeking free samples of a finished Andrographis supplement product would need to look for separate promotional offers from supplement brands, which are not covered in the provided sources.
Conclusion
The provided source material confirms that free samples of Andrographis paniculata extract powder are available from several bulk ingredient suppliers. These samples are primarily offered in a B2B context to manufacturers, formulators, and researchers. The extract is standardised to varying concentrations of andrographolide (the primary active compound) and is available in powder form with both water-soluble and oil-soluble options. Intended applications span traditional medicinal uses and modern health supplement formulations, with documented research supporting its use for immune support, anti-inflammation, and respiratory health. To access these samples, interested parties in the UK would need to contact the suppliers directly to discuss specifications and shipping arrangements. The sources do not provide information on consumer-facing sample programmes for finished supplement products.