In detail

Markers make botanicals measurable. Withanolides in ashwagandha, curcuminoids in turmeric, silymarin in milk thistle, and EGCG in green tea are marker families used to define strength. A marker can be a single molecule or a family total, and the analytical method determines which number you get.

A higher marker value is not automatically a better ingredient. The marker may be only one part of the botanical's chemistry, and a highly purified marker can behave differently from a whole extract. What matters is that the marker is relevant to your label, measured by a stated method, and consistent from lot to lot.

Why it matters to a buyer

  • It is the number most likely to appear on your label and in retailer documentation.
  • Method choice changes the result, so a marker value without a method is not comparable.
  • Marker selection affects dose, cost, taste, and solubility in the finished format.

What to ask a supplier

01

Is the marker a single compound or a family total?

02

Which method and reference standard were used?

03

Why was this marker chosen for this grade?

Cite this page

Rainwood Botanical. "Marker compound." Botanical extract glossary, October 2026. https://ingredients.rainwoodbio.com/resources/glossary/marker-compound/