Narcissus poeticus project 2022
Esencial has recently started the tradition of plant-tracing expeditions.
Part of our Traceability System as per ISO Standards and also in the spirit of growing closer to nature and seeing for ourselves where it all begins, our team has rvisited the natural habitat of Narcissus poeticus grown in the wild.
This beautiful flower, recently rediscovered and brought back into attention for its skin benefits, appears to find the most secluded places to grow, where people can barely go.
We took our chances up in Xibër-Murriza, at about 1500 m above sea level to witness in person the reward and peace at the valley of Narcissuses.
Hand-picked from our suppliers, we plan to produce Narcissus poeticus CO2 Total Extract as a precious raw material for its anti-oxidative skin benefits.
Photo - Gallery
Video from the expedition!
Harvesting and storing raw plant
Plants collected by harvesters are registered in the warehouse with the number of the respective part. It is equipped with a document which includes quantitative data, shelf live of stock lasting 1 year and other technical data.
Harvesting and storing raw plant
After the plant has admitted to the warehouse according to the protocol, the R&D department takes a sample of the plant for further testing. Sampling is performed according to ISO 212 - 2007
Morphological study
The morphological study of the plant is one of the main GMP protocols approved by the Esencial management board. It is conducted based in botanical scientific studies.
Selecting and grinding
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Plant selection and milling is done in an enclosed, dry and ventilated space.
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The plant is associated with its corresponding LOT number registered in the warehouse.
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The selection and grinding protocol is approved by the company management.
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The plant particle size is 0.3 mm as per the SCFE technology requirements.
Microscopic examination
The integrity and health of the plant is examined under the microscope.
Humidity testing
Humidity tests are carried out according to the protocol approved by the company management and based on World Health Organization standards and guidelines.
SCFE CO2 Extraction
The production of Narcissus poeticus Total Extract with SCFE CO2 technology relies on extracting the plant material without using any other solvents besides CO2 gas. This ensures that the obtained extracts contain no toxic trace residues and can be therefore used, without further processing, directly in nutrition or pharmaceutical industries.
GC - FID
The evolution of CO2 Total Extract Bioactive Compounds by GC - Fid test is very important in ensuring high quality of the final product of CO2 Total Extract. This test is conducted on a daily basis and ensures dynamic monitoring of the quality of our total extracts. The protocol is approved by the company management and is based on ISO 1124/1 and ISO 1124/2.
Full suite of laboratory tests
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Determination of acid value.
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Determination of relative and absolute density.
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Determination of melting point.
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Determination of boiling point.
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Determination of flesh point.
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Determination of ash content.
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Determination of heavy metals.
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Determination of PAHs.
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Determination of aflstoxins.
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Determination of microbial level.