What Is Quercetin (117-39-5)?
Quercetin is 3,3′,4′,5,7-Pentahydroxyflavone, a natural plant compound with CAS number 117-39-5. It appears as yellow needle crystal or yellow crystalline powder, odorless with a bitter taste and is one of the most studied botanical actives in the global plant extract market.
Quercetin belongs to the flavonol subclass of flavonoids and is the aglycone of rutin, quercitrin and many other plant glycosides. In the human diet it is the most common flavonol, with onions, apples, berries and capers being the richest sources.
In dietary supplements quercetin is typically dosed at 500-1000 mg per day and is often combined with vitamin C and bromelain to enhance absorption. In cosmetic formulations it is used at low concentrations as an antioxidant active in anti-aging and skin-brightening products.
Key Properties of Quercetin
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Quercetin |
| CAS Number | 117-39-5 |
| Chemical Name | 3,3′,4′,5,7-Pentahydroxyflavone |
| Appearance | Yellow needle crystal or yellow crystalline powder, odorless with a bitter taste |
| Purity | ≥95% (HPLC) |
| Melting Point | Approx. 314-316 °C (decomposes) |
| Solubility | Practically insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, methanol and DMSO; soluble in dilute alkali |
| Natural Sources | Sophora japonica (Japanese pagoda tree) flower buds; Onion (Allium cepa) outer skin; Apple (Malus domestica) peel; Capers (Capparis spinosa) |
Sources & Extraction
Quercetin is naturally found in Sophora japonica (Japanese pagoda tree) flower buds, Onion (Allium cepa) outer skin, Apple (Malus domestica) peel and Capers (Capparis spinosa). ZHII extracts quercetin from the most abundant commercial source, ensuring consistent purity and supply.
ZHII extracts quercetin from Sophora japonica (Huai Mi) flower buds — the richest commercially available natural source, with buds containing up to 4-6% quercetin in aglycone form after enzymatic hydrolysis of rutin. The process uses food-grade ethanol extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis, crystallization and HPLC-controlled purification to deliver consistent ≥95% purity.
Applications of Quercetin
Few botanical actives cross industry boundaries as easily as quercetin:
Dietary Supplements
A core antioxidant flavonoid in capsules, tablets and effervescent formulations, often paired with vitamin C, zinc or bromelain for synergistic bioavailability.
Functional Food & Beverage
Added to fortified drinks, energy bars and antioxidant juices; quercetin glycosides also used as natural color protectors in processed foods.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Antioxidant active in anti-aging creams, eye serums and after-sun products; supports skin barrier function and reduces oxidative stress markers.
Pharmaceutical Research
A widely used reference compound in flavonoid pharmacokinetic and anti-inflammatory research, included in many in-vitro screening libraries.
Recommended Use & Dosage
In dietary supplements 500-1000 mg per day is the typical adult dose. In cosmetic formulations use at 0.1-1.0% depending on the target claim. Always comply with local regulatory limits.
Packaging & Storage
1 kg aluminum foil bags, 5 kg food-grade plastic pails and 25 kg fibre drums. Nitrogen-flush packaging available for export shipments.. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, tightly sealed to protect from moisture. When stored properly, the product remains stable for at least 24 months from the production date.
Why Source Quercetin from ZHII?
- Factory-direct supply — we manufacture and export plant extracts from Xi’an, China, with competitive pricing and stable long-term stock.
- Certified quality — ISO9001 and ISO14001 certified production; KOSHER and HALAL certified products; a Certificate of Analysis accompanies every batch.
- Global experience — customers in more than 50 countries across the EU, the Americas and Asia trust ZHII as their plant extract supplier.
- Flexible quantities — from free evaluation samples and small trial packs to full container loads.
- Technical support — our team provides formulation guidance, regulatory documents and application advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between quercetin and rutin?
Rutin (CAS 153-18-2) is the rutinoside glycoside of quercetin — quercetin bound to a sugar. After enzymatic or acid hydrolysis rutin yields quercetin aglycone. Rutin is more water-soluble; quercetin is more bioactive.
What is the best source for commercial quercetin extraction?
Sophora japonica (Japanese pagoda tree) flower buds are the richest practical source — ZHII uses this material for consistent ≥95% HPLC quercetin with low heavy-metal and microbial load.
Does ZHII supply water-soluble quercetin?
We supply standard quercetin (essentially water-insoluble) and can also provide quercetin glycosides (isoquercitrin) and cyclodextrin-complexed quercetin for water-dispersible applications. Contact our team for details.
Get a Free Sample of Quercetin
Looking for a reliable Quercetin manufacturer and supplier? ZHII offers high-purity Quercetin (117-39-5) with fast worldwide delivery and free samples. Visit our plant extract catalog to explore the full botanical extract range, or contact us today by email at sxzhiyi@126.com or WhatsApp +86 151 0299 2009 for a quotation within 24 hours.