| Botanical identity | Scientific name | Vaccinium myrtillus L., a berry-producing shrub in the Ericaceae family. | Confirms that the material is bilberry rather than a different berry species or a mixed botanical ingredient. |
| Definition | Extract description | A concentrated preparation made from bilberry fruit, commonly supplied as a dry powder or liquid extract. | The product form affects transport stability, dosage design, processing, and packaging requirements. |
| Main active compounds | Anthocyanins | Bilberry contains anthocyanin glycosides derived mainly from delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, peonidin, and malvidin. | Anthocyanin identity and total content are key quality and standardization parameters for many supplement applications. |
| Main active compounds | Phenolic acids | Phenolic constituents may include chlorogenic acid and related hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. | Useful for broader phytochemical profiling and authenticity testing. |
| Main active compounds | Flavonols and tannins | Bilberry may contain flavonols such as quercetin derivatives, together with proanthocyanidins and other polyphenols. | A wider marker profile can support ingredient authentication and batch-to-batch consistency. |
| Typical standardization | Anthocyanin specification | Commercial products are often standardized to a declared anthocyanin level, with 25% anthocyanins being a common market specification; actual levels vary by extract. | Buyers should require the analytical method, reference standard, assay basis, and acceptance range rather than relying on the percentage alone. |
| Extraction profile | Common extraction media | Water, ethanol, or hydroethanolic systems may be used, depending on the target compounds and product requirements. | The solvent system influences residual-solvent controls, regulatory documentation, color, stability, and labeling. |
| Product formats | Available forms | Common formats include spray-dried powder, freeze-dried powder, liquid concentrate, capsules, tablets, and premixes. | Format selection should match the buyer’s dosage form, moisture limits, flowability needs, and shelf-life target. |
| Common applications | Dietary supplements | Used in capsules, tablets, powders, and liquid formulas positioned around antioxidant and eye-health nutrition. | Any structure-function or health claim must comply with the regulations of the destination market. |
| Common applications | Functional foods and beverages | Can be incorporated into beverage powders, nutrition bars, gummies, dairy-style products, and other functional formulations. | Color stability, taste, pH compatibility, and dispersion should be assessed before commercial production. |
| Quality control | Identity and potency testing | A robust specification commonly includes botanical identity, anthocyanin assay, moisture, ash, microbial limits, heavy metals, pesticides, and foreign matter. | Independent laboratory results and batch-specific certificates of analysis help verify safety and consistency. |
| Stability | Key storage conditions | Anthocyanins are sensitive to factors such as light, oxygen, heat, moisture, and unsuitable pH conditions. | Opaque, moisture-resistant packaging and controlled storage can help preserve color and measured potency. |
| Manufacturer evaluation | Supply-chain traceability | Preferred suppliers should document the botanical source, harvest or lot information, processing route, and chain of custody. | Traceability reduces adulteration risk and supports import, audit, and product-registration requirements. |
| Manufacturer evaluation | Documentation package | A procurement package may include a specification sheet, certificate of analysis, safety data sheet, allergen statement, non-GMO statement, and stability data. | Complete documentation accelerates technical approval and customs or regulatory review in different markets. |
| Manufacturer evaluation | Production and compliance systems | Buyers commonly assess Good Manufacturing Practice controls, hygiene programs, allergen management, batch records, validated testing, and change-control procedures. | These controls are practical indicators of manufacturing reliability without depending on a particular company or brand. |
| Commercial terms | Purchase factors | Important factors include minimum order quantity, lead time, packaging size, shelf life, payment terms, Incoterms, sample policy, and customization capability. | Comparing these terms alongside potency and quality data gives a more realistic view of total sourcing value. |