Product Description
Motherwort Extract powder is strictly controlled according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP) 2020 Edition, Each batch undergoes comprehensive testing including heavy metals, pesticide residues, microbial limits, and authenticity verification by HPLC and TLC. COA and MSDS are available upon request. Third-party lab testing is welcome.
Product Description
Chinese Motherwort Extract (Yi Mu Cao Extract) is a concentrated powder of characteristic active ingredients refined from specified botanical raw materials, with leonurine and stachydrine as the main active components. It meets quality standards of total alkaloids 0.5%-1%, offering multiple benefits including women’s health support, menstrual regulation, postpartum uterine recovery, and blood circulation improvement. It is widely used in health supplements, functional foods, and personal care products. Chinese Motherwort Extract is selected from premium Shandong-grown raw materials, prepared by water extraction and ethanol precipitation processes, with stable leonurine content. It is a core raw material for women’s health products.
Chinese Motherwort (Leonurus japonicus) is one of the most representative women’s health herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with an annual production exceeding 10,000 metric tons in China. The extract is widely used in gynecological Chinese patent medicines and health products. The global market for motherwort extracts is growing steadily, driven by increasing consumer interest in botanical-based women’s health solutions, particularly in East Asian markets (China, Japan, Korea) where TCM-derived ingredients have deep cultural acceptance.
Basic Information
| Extract Name | Motherwort Extract |
| Botanical Source | Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (Leonuridae Herba) |
| Part Used | Aerial parts / flowering tops |
| English Common Name | Chinese Motherwort Extract / Yi Mu Cao Extract / Herba Leonuri Extract |
| Active Markers | Leonurine ≥2%, ≥5%, or custom ranges; Alkaloids; Flavonoids |
| Main Active Components | Leonurine, Stachydrine |
| Key Specifications | Total Alkaloids 0.5%-1%, 5:1, 8:1, 10:1, 20:1 (customizable) |
| Extraction Solvent | Ethanol-Water (food-grade) |
| Appearance | Light brown to brown powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and ethanol |
| Target Markets | China, Japan, Korea |
| Core Application Areas | Women’s health; Menstrual regulation; Uterine recovery; Blood circulation |
Standard Specifications (COA)
The following specifications are reference values only; actual values are subject to each batch COA report.
| Test Item | Standard |
| Total Alkaloids (as Leonurine) | 0.5%-1% |
| Leonurine (HPLC) | 0.3%-0.8% |
| Stachydrine (HPLC) | 0.2%-0.6% |
| Loss on Drying | ≤5.0% |
| Total Ash | ≤6.0% |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤1.0 mg/kg |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤2.0 mg/kg |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤0.5 mg/kg |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤0.1 mg/kg |
| Pesticide Residues (Organochlorine/Organophosphorus) | Complies with USP <561> |
| Aflatoxin B1 | ≤5.0 μg/kg |
| Total Aflatoxins | ≤10.0 μg/kg |
| TAMC | ≤1×10⁴ CFU/g |
| TYMC | ≤1×10² CFU/g |
Botanical Source Description
The raw material of Motherwort Extract product is the dried aerial parts of Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (Family: Lamiaceae). Primary growing regions include Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, and Anhui provinces in China. Chinese Motherwort has been known as the “sacred medicine for women” since ancient times. It is included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP 2020 Edition, Part I). In Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, Motherwort has a pungent and bitter flavor with a slightly cold nature, entering the Pericardium and Liver meridians. It is renowned for its ability to invigorate blood circulation, regulate menstruation, promote diuresis and reduce edema, and expel lochia – making it one of the most essential herbs in gynecological formulae.
Core Efficacy
Leonurus japonicus extract has a solid research foundation in women’s reproductive health and cardiovascular support. The core active components are leonurine and stachydrine, which are unique alkaloids rarely found together in other medicinal plants. Leonurine has been shown to excite uterine smooth muscle, promoting uterine contraction – an in vitro study demonstrated that leonurine (10-100μM) increased the spontaneous contraction amplitude of isolated rat uterus by 45% (P<0.001), with mechanisms involving calcium channel modulation (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010; 129: 274-279). Clinical observations have shown that formulas containing Chinese Motherwort can reduce postpartum uterine involution time by 2.3 days (P<0.01) and lochia discharge time by 1.8 days (P<0.05). Additionally, Chinese Motherwort extract improves microcirculation – studies have shown it can increase cerebral blood flow by 38% in ischemic model rats (P<0.001). In terms of cardiovascular effects, total alkaloids from Leonurus japonicus (0.5mg/kg i.v.) caused a transient blood pressure decrease followed by reflexive elevation in anesthetized dogs, with minimal heart rate changes, indicating potential cardioprotective properties (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010; 129: 274-279).
Regulatory & Regional Access Status
Note: Regulatory information is subject to change. Before export, please confirm the latest compliance requirements with the target market regulatory authority or professional consultant.
| Region / Country | Regulatory Status | Key Notes |
| China (NHC/NMPA) | Standards for Health Food Ingredients / Traditional Chinese Medicinal Materials | Included in Part I of the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia; may be used as an ingredient in health foods; preparations containing motherwort must comply with national food safety standards such as GB 16740. Some compound preparations containing motherwort have been on the market for many years and have a well-established track record of use. |
| Japan (MHLW) | Food additives / Ingredients for health foods | Extracts are used as food additives or ingredients in health foods; certain varieties must be registered under the system for foods with functional claims. Motherwort is also used in Japanese Kampo medicines. |
| Korea (MFDS) | Functional ingredients (filing system) | Korean herbal ingredients may be registered as functional ingredients and are permitted for use in health foods and general foodstuffs. There is a wealth of experience in the use of motherwort within traditional Korean medicine. |
Application Directions & Recommended Dosage
| Application Direction | Recommended Dosage | Applicable Dosage Forms | Notes |
| Oral Solid Beverages / Instant Drinks | As per specification | Stick packs, sachets, jars | Can be combined with other women’s health botanicals (e.g., Dong Quai, Red Clover); dosage should be controlled with standardised extract |
| Tablets / Capsules | As per specification | Tablets, hard capsules | Recommended 250-500mg extract per capsule, 2-3 times daily |
| Liquid Beverages / Functional Drinks | As per specification | Glass bottles, PET bottles | Recommend dispersing in warm water first; note that high alkaloid content may affect taste (slightly bitter) |
| Personal Care / Skincare | 0.1-2.0% (w/w) | Lotions, serums, masks | Motherwort extract offers antioxidant and circulation-improving benefits for skincare; evaluate solubility and stability based on formula |
Recommended Daily Dosage Reference
Recommended doses of motherwort extract must be strictly determined according to its constituents and intended use; self-medication with excessive doses over a prolonged period is strictly prohibited.
- 10:1 whole-plant proportional extract powder: For daily maintenance, take 150-300 mg per day, divided into two doses and taken with warm water; this corresponds to 1.5-3 g of the raw herbal material.
- Pharmaceutical-grade total alkaloid extract: For clinical use, take 150-600 mg per day as directed by a doctor; it is primarily used for postpartum retained lochia and menstrual irregularities of the blood stasis type.
- Addition to topical skincare products: Keep the concentration between 0.1% and 0.5 per cent; primarily used to soothe the skin and improve local microcirculation.
- Conversion for traditional dried Motherwort: The Pharmacopoeia recommends a daily dosage of 10–15 g of the raw herbal material; high doses should not exceed 30 g.
Other Precautions
Safety & Compliance Notes
- Chinese Motherwort Extract is a botanical-derived product; some individuals may experience allergic reactions. It is recommended to start with a small dose for first-time use
- PREGNANCY WARNING: Chinese Motherwort Extract stimulates uterine smooth muscle contraction and is CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and infants should NOT use this product without explicit medical supervision
- Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications should consult a healthcare provider before use, as Motherwort may enhance blood circulation
- Motherwort Extract powder product information is for B2B purchasing and technical reference only and does not constitute medical or health claims for end consumers
Appendix: References
(The following references are for technical reference only; some are open access and can be accessed through PubMed/PMC or journal websites.)
[1] Lin C.F. et al., Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010; 129: 274-279. – Cardiovascular effects of Leonurus japonicus total alkaloids.
[2] Wang X. et al., Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2012; 139: 564-570. – Leonurine promotes uterine contraction via calcium channel modulation.
[3] Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, 2020 Edition, Part I: 248-249.
[4] WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Vol. 2, 2004. – Leonurus cardiaca L. (note: L. japonicus shares similar pharmacological profiles).
[5] Kimura Y. et al., Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2006; 107(1): 1-7. – Uterine relaxant and contractile effects of Leonurus compounds.
[6] Japanese Pharmacopoeia, 17th Edition. – Herba Leonuri monograph.
[7] Park S, Lee J, Kim H, et al. Protective effect of the mixture of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KC3 and Leonurus japonicas Houtt extract on respiratory disorders. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2023, 312: 116589. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116589.
[8] Zhang Y, Wang L, Liu M. Image analysis application of motherwort total alkaloid injection in the treatment of postabortion hemorrhage. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 2024, 50(7): 1892-1899. DOI: 10.1111/jog.15927.
[9] Chen L, Zhao Y, Sun Q, et al. Acute and subchronic toxicity assessment of standardized Leonurus japonicus extract in Sprague-Dawley rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2022, 293: 115217. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115217.
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard shelf life is 24 months when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. An expiry date is printed on each batch.
Yes. We offer Motherwort Extract standardized to Leonurine at 2%, 5%, and other target levels per customer specification. HPLC verification is provided with each batch.
Sample orders start at 1 kg. Bulk orders typically start at 25 kg (1 fibre drum). Smaller quantities may be accommodated subject to stock availability.
Yes, a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) are provided with every shipment. We also support third-party inspection requests.
Our Motherwort Extract complies with relevant dietary supplement and herbal ingredient regulations. Pesticide, heavy metal, and microbial testing meet both USP and EU standards. Please confirm local compliance requirements with your regulatory team.
Yes, we support private-label manufacturing and custom packaging sizes. Please contact our sales team with your requirements for a tailored quotation.
Packaging & Shipping
Standard Packaging
- Standard packaging: 25 kg fibre drum with double PE liner inside.
- Custom packaging available: 1 kg / 5 kg / 10 kg aluminium bags or cartons.
- Private-label packaging can be arranged on request.
Shipping Terms
- Shipped via express (DHL, FedEx, UPS), air freight, or sea freight depending on order quantity and destination.
- Lead time: 7–15 business days after payment confirmation for standard orders.
- Sample orders can be dispatched within 3–5 business days.
Shelf Life & Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C.
- Keep away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
- Seal container tightly after each use to maintain product quality.
