The bamboo extract is a rich source of active compounds, including flavone, phenolic acid, lactone, polyose, amino acid, and microelements, which have been linked to enhancing a wide range of effect such as protection of blood vessels, the liver, improving sleep quality, protection against cancer, and anti-aging.
Carol Cheow from Cactus Botanics told NutraIngredients.com: "Ever since the development of bamboo leaf flavonoid product and its putting into mass production, it has raised the attention of state authorities, and international and domestic scientific circles due to its well recognized positive impacts on the health and longevity of human beings."
"Bamboo leaf extract presents also very good technical features, as it is easy to dissolve in hot water and low-density alcohol with high thermal and water stability, processing flexibility, and high oxidation prevention stability," said Cheow.
The extract is manufactured through the process of water-ethanol extraction, then filtered by membrane chromatography, concentrated by vacuum and then spray dried. Annual production is prediction to be 10 megatons.
"Even an unfavorable condition that the local concentration far exceeds the limit, there shall be no oxidation promotion effects, which occurs generally in tea polyphenols.
Moreover, the extract carries with it the original faint scent of bamboo, and a favorable and refreshing taste with little sweetness and bitterness," said Cheow.
Although the primary intention appears to use the extract in dietary supplements, the company claims that the high water solubility makes the product applicable to other neutraceutical products such as neutraceutical beverages or in milk powder.
The company does not have partners in the EU or US to help commercialise this extract, offering instead an "easy and convenient" ordering process from the operations centre in Shanghai, China.