Targeting antioxidant skincare, cardiovascular support, and anti-aging formulations. We supply Lychee Extract in standardised extract ratios – 10:1, 20:1, and 50:1 – each verified for total polyphenol and total proanthocyanidin content. Custom polyphenol-grade specifications (40%, 60%, 75%) are also available.

Basic Information

Product Description

Lychee Extract is obtained from the fruit pericarp and/or seed of Litchi chinensis Sonn. It belongs to the Sapindaceae family and is native to southern China.

Three standard extract ratio grades are available – 10:1, 20:1, and 50:1. Each grade is independently verified for total polyphenol content using UV spectrophotometry. Additionally, custom polyphenol-grade specifications – 40%, 60%, and 75% total polyphenols – are available for high-potency applications.

The key bioactive constituents are polyphenolic compounds, particularly proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins). Litchi pericarp is exceptionally rich in these compounds. Research has identified that dried litchi pericarp contains up to 75% total polyphenols, 28% total proanthocyanidins, and 14% total flavonoids by weight.

Litchi chinensis is a subtropical evergreen tree native to southern China, with over 2,000 years of cultivation history. Guangdong province is the largest production region in China, contributing more than 50% of national output. Major varieties include Nuomici, Guiwei, Feizixiao, and Bai Tang Ying.

Active Constituents

The bioactive profile of Lychee Extract is dominated by polyphenolic compounds, with procyanidins as the most pharmacologically significant fraction.

Primary Marker: Total Polyphenols

Total polyphenol content is determined by UV spectrophotometry using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Litchi pericarp is one of the richest botanical sources of polyphenols globally. The content ranges from 40% to 75% of dry extract weight, depending on the raw material part and extraction method. Polyphenols contribute to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging activities of Lychee Extract.

Secondary Marker: Total Proanthocyanidins

Total proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins) are quantified by HPLC-DAD or spectrophotometric methods. Litchi seed and pericarp contain significant amounts of oligomeric and polymeric proanthocyanidins, including procyanidin A2 and procyanidin C1. These A-type and B-type proanthocyanidins exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-glycation, and anti-tyrosinase activities.

Characteristic Compound: Procyanidin A2

Procyanidin A2 (CAS 41743-41-3, C30H24O12, MW 576.50) is an A-type proanthocyanidin dimer uniquely present in litchi pericarp and seed. It is quantified by HPLC-DAD at 280 nm. Procyanidin A2 exhibits strong antioxidant activity and has been studied for its hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer properties. This compound is considered a characteristic marker for litchi polyphenol extracts.

COA Standard Specifications

Mechanism of Action

Antioxidant Activity

Lychee Extract demonstrates potent free-radical scavenging activity through its polyphenol and proanthocyanidin content. The A-type proanthocyanidins in particular exhibit superior antioxidant capacity compared to B-type analogues due to their additional ether linkage, which provides greater stability and reactivity.

Anti-Glycation Effects

Procyanidin A2 and related proanthocyanidins inhibit advanced glycation end-product (AGE) formation. They intercept reactive carbonyl species and prevent protein cross-linking, which contributes to their anti-aging and vascular protective effects.

Collagen Protection

Lychee Extract inhibits collagenase and elastase enzymes that degrade skin structural proteins. It also suppresses UVB-induced COX-2 inflammatory signaling in skin cells. These actions help maintain skin elasticity and reduce wrinkle formation.

Hepatoprotection

Procyanidin A2 has demonstrated hepatoprotective effects in animal models of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury. It reduces oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines in liver tissue, supporting liver health and detoxification function.

Traditional and Modern Use

Litchi pericarp has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is recorded in Chinese pharmacopoeias as having heat-clearing, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties.

In contemporary practice, Lychee Extract is incorporated into dietary supplements and cosmetic ingredients targeting skin health and antioxidant support. The polyphenol-rich extract is valued for its skin-protective and anti-aging properties.

A human clinical study evaluated lychee-derived polyphenol supplementation at 100 mg twice daily for 12 weeks. The study reported a decrease in fine lines in 72.7% of participants, reduced skin age, and improved skin roughness. C-reactive protein decreased in 54.5% of subjects, indicating systemic anti-inflammatory effects.

Regulatory Status

Litchi chinensis has a clear regulatory status in major markets.

In the United States, polyphenols from the fruit of Litchi chinensis Sonn. were granted GRAS status under GRAS Notice No. 497. The FDA issued its “no questions” letter on June 12, 2014. The permitted intended use is as an ingredient in certain food categories at levels ranging from 12 to 192 milligrams per serving. Some uses may require a color additive listing.

In the European Union, Litchi chinensis fruit polyphenols were evaluated under the Novel Food Catalogue. The extract is generally permitted in food supplements where national law allows. Specific authorization should be confirmed for each member state.

In China, Litchi chinensis fruit is a common food and traditional herbal material. The pericarp is listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Lychee is widely cultivated across southern China and is recognized as both a food and medicinal ingredient under national regulations.

Recommended Usage

Typical daily intake ranges from 200 to 1,000 mg of standardised Lychee Extract, depending on the target application and polyphenol content.

Formulation guidance by grade:

10:1 grade: Suitable for general antioxidant blends at 500-1,000 mg per day

20:1 grade: Optimal for skin care formulations at 200-500 mg per day

50:1 grade: Best for high-potency clinical formulations at 100-300 mg per day

Polyphenol-grade (60-75%): Premium skin care applications at 100-200 mg per day

Clinical studies have used lychee polyphenol extracts at doses of 100-200 mg per day for periods of 8-12 weeks. For general antioxidant support, doses up to 1,500 mg per day of lychee fruit extract have been used in traditional practice.

Precautions

Lychee Extract is generally recognised as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used within specified limits. However, certain precautions apply.

General Precautions

Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage. Store out of reach of children. Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Discontinue use if any allergic reaction occurs.

Drug Interactions

Consult a healthcare professional before use if taking blood glucose-lowering medications, as lychee may have hypoglycaemic effects. It may also interact with anticoagulant medications due to its polyphenol content.

Contraindications

Not recommended for individuals with known hypersensitivity to Sapindaceae family plants. Use with caution in children under 12 years of age. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.

When to Discontinue

Discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if you experience gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, or any allergic reaction such as skin rash or swelling.

Disclaimer

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements regarding this product have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Polyphenols from Litchi chinensis fruit have GRAS status (GRAS Notice No. 497) for use as a food ingredient at specified levels. Final claim substantiation and label review are the responsibility of the brand owner. Consumers should consult a healthcare professional before use, particularly if pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a chronic health condition.

Litchi chinensis is distinct from Lychee fruit juice powder, which is a different product category. This document covers standardised polyphenol extracts from the pericarp and seed, not fruit juice or whole fruit powders.

Why Choose Nutralighting

‌Verified total polyphenol content: Every batch is UV-tested for total polyphenol content using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. A batch-specific COA is provided with each shipment.

‌Custom polyphenol grades: Our R&D team develops custom specifications tailored to your formulation requirements. Contact us for details.

‌China-sourced material: Sourced from Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, China – among the world’s largest lychee-producing regions. Full traceability from orchard to extract.

References

FDA. “GRAS Notice GRN No. 497: Polyphenols from the fruit of Litchi chinensis Sonn. and from leaves of Camellia sinensis (L.) Sinensis.” FDA Letter dated June 12, 2014. No questions letter issued.

Li, Y., et al. (2022). “Evaluation of Chemical Constituents of Litchi Pericarp Extracts and Its Antioxidant Activity in Mice.” PMC9740626. LPE contains 75.06% total polyphenol, 28.53% total proanthocyanidin, and 13.98% total flavonoid.

Chen, X., et al. (2016). “Hepatoprotective effects of litchi (Litchi chinensis) procyanidin A2 on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in ICR mice.” PMC5450617. Procyanidin A2: C30H24O12, MW 576.50, CAS 41743-41-3.

Zhang, L., et al. (2020). “Proanthocyanidin polymers from lychee seeds exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, anti-α-amylase, and anti-tyrosinase activities.” PubMed PMID: 40169045.

MacKenzie, A.R. (2007). “Open-label controlled clinical study of lychee polyphenol supplementation on skin parameters.” Unpublished data cited in Vitabase Lychee ingredient monograph.

Alibaba supplier listings. “Litchi Seed Extract Powder 10:1 20:1 30:1 50:1” and “Lychee Skin Extract Polyphenol 50% 60%” – commercial COA data, verified CAS 41743-41-3, C30H24O12, MW 576.50.

China National Health Commission (NHC). “Functions and Scope of Health Food Raw Materials.” NHC Announcement No. 4, 2024.