What Is Black Garlic Extract?
Black garlic extract is the concentrated bioactive fraction of Allium sativum bulbs aged under controlled heat and humidity — typically 60–80 °C for 30–90 days — until the Maillard reaction turns the cloves dark, soft and sweet. Ageing decomposes allicin, the unstable thiol behind raw garlic’s pungency, and converts it into stable, water-soluble organosulfur compounds. The accepted marker is S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC), CAS 21593-77-3; SAC levels run 5–7 times higher than in raw garlic. Commercial grades are standardised to 1% SAC by HPLC, with high-purity SAC supplied at ≥98%. INCI: Allium Sativum (Garlic) Bulb Extract. The material is a dark brown to near-black, free-flowing powder — fully water-soluble and effectively odourless at use levels, which is precisely what makes it formulation-friendly.
How It Works
SAC and the melanoidin fraction act through two complementary routes. First, they scavenge reactive oxygen species directly while up-regulating endogenous antioxidant defences — superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase — which reduces lipid peroxidation in vascular endothelium. Second, SAC supports endothelial nitric oxide availability and normal platelet function, the mechanistic basis for its use in circulation and cardiovascular positioning.
Because SAC is water-soluble and orally bioavailable, it is absorbed intact rather than being degraded like allicin, and it does not carry the gastric irritation associated with high-dose raw garlic powder. That combination of measurable potency and tolerability is why buyers now specify SAC content instead of generic “garlic extract”.
Five Key Applications
- Cardiovascular and circulation supplements — capsules and softgels positioned on cholesterol and blood-pressure support.
- Antioxidant and healthy-ageing formulas — stacked with CoQ10, NMN or omega-3 in longevity lines.
- Immune and metabolic support — daily wellness blends, sachets and stick packs.
- Functional foods and beverages — the water-soluble, low-odour powder disperses cleanly into shots and premixes.
- Cosmetics and food manufacturing — antioxidant and anti-glycation actives for skincare, plus clean-label seasoning and preservative systems.
VeraVita Supply
VeraVita Biotech supplies black garlic extract standardised to 1%–3% SAC, with high-purity SAC available at ≥99% by HPLC. Every lot ships with a batch-specific COA and MSDS available on request, and full technical documentation — assay method, heavy metals, microbiology, solvent residues — is released before shipment. We support OEM/ODM from 25 kg pilot lots through to container volumes, including custom mesh size, carrier selection and private-label packaging. Send your specification to info@veravitabio.com for a quotation and sample.