Berberine hydrochloride

Berberine hydrochloride (CAS 633-65-8), also sold as berberine chloride and known in colorant contexts as Natural Yellow 18, is a plant-derived alkaloid salt extracted primarily from Berberis and Coptis species. It is sourced by manufacturers of dietary supplements, pharmaceutical formulations, and functional food products seeking a bioactive botanical ingredient with demonstrated metabolic and antimicrobial activity.

In dietary supplement manufacturing, this compound is the preferred salt form for capsule and tablet production due to its improved solubility compared to the free base form of the alkaloid. Functional food and nutraceutical formulators incorporate it into products targeting blood glucose and lipid management. Personal care manufacturers use it as an antimicrobial and antioxidant active.

In topical formulations, it is used in skin-clarifying creams and serums. In biotechnology and life sciences, it serves as a reference standard and research reagent for assay development and cell biology studies. The material is supplied as a fine yellow to yellow-orange powder. It is available in pharmaceutical-grade and food-grade specifications, with high-purity grades typically 97–99% by HPLC.

These grades meet requirements for nutraceutical and API applications. Bulk supply is standard in kilogram and metric-ton quantities, with material commonly accompanied by CoA documentation for regulated markets.