1. Green Tea Extract (EGCG)
   Key Functions: Antioxidant, metabolism regulation, oil control/acne reduction; reduces oxidative stress and boosts alertness.
   Applications: Sugar-free teas, functional drinks, RTD teas, meal replacement shakes, oil-control skincare (cross-industry use). Catechins dominate weight-management products.

2. Anthocyanins
   Key Functions: Strong antioxidants; delays aging and improves vision.

3. Resveratrol
   Key Functions: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging; protects cardiovascular health.
   Applications: Skincare and supplements.

4. Monk Fruit Extract
   Key Functions: Zero-calorie natural sweetener, antioxidant, blood sugar management; clears heat, detoxifies, and soothes respiratory systems.
   Applications: Throat lozenges, herbal drinks, sugar-free beverages, alternative-sweetener foods, functional snacks. Its mogrosides are safer than sucrose, aligning with clean-label trends.

5. Mulberry Leaf Extract
   Key Functions: Lowers blood sugar/lipids; antioxidant.
   Applications: Blood glucose management products, wellness teas (e.g., used in Yili Shuhua Antang Jian).

6. Cordyceps Extract
   Key Functions: Immune modulation, physical strengthening; benefits respiratory/immune systems.
   Applications: Premium tonics and immune-regulating products.

7. Rosemary Extract
   Key Functions: Antioxidant, antimicrobial preservative, heat-stable.
   Applications: Fried food preservation (e.g., cookies), beverage flavor enhancement (e.g., cola/spirits), meat color retention. Carnosic acid replaces synthetic preservatives (BHA/BHT) in mid-to-high-end health products.

8. Ashwagandha Extract
   Key Functions: Regulates stress hormones (cortisol), improves sleep quality, enhances cognition.
   Applications: Sleep gummies, energy drinks, anti-fatigue powders. Adaptogen properties cater to urban mental wellness needs.

9. Echinacea Extract
   Key Functions: Immune enhancement, antiviral, shortens cold duration.
   Applications: Immune chewables, seasonal flu beverages. Forms “immune gold combo” with elderberry.

10. Elderberry Extract
    Key Functions: Rich in vitamin C, antioxidant, anti-flu.
    Applications: Children’s immune juices, fruit gummies. Natural high-VC content replaces synthetic additives in family wellness products.

11. Maca Extract
    Key Functions: Energy/endurance boost, hormone balance.
    Applications: Sports nutrition bars, men’s health drinks. Clinically validated South American botanical regaining traction.

12. Chamomile Extract
    Key Functions: Soothes nerves, improves sleep, anti-inflammatory.
    Applications: Sleep-inducing floral teas, sensitive-skin beverages (e.g., aloe-chamomile blends). Often paired with GABA in sleep-aid products.

II. Future Trends in Plant Extracts
✅ Functional Segmentation: Anti-inflammation, anti-fatigue, immune regulation, lipid reduction, skincare, and mental wellness drive precision-formulated extracts.
✅ Tech Advancements: Fermentation, enzymatic hydrolysis, nano-encapsulation, and microencapsulation boost efficacy/stability (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol).
✅ Cross-Industry Fusion: Food/beverage and cosmetic ingredient interchange (e.g., green tea extract in oil-control drinks and acne products).
✅ Natural Replacements: Synthetic preservatives/sweeteners/flavors phased out by botanicals—rosemary for BHA/BHT, monk fruit for aspartame, lemon myrtle for lemon flavor.