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AUSTIN, Texas – November 30, 2020 – Altogen Labs today highlighted its testing services for botanical extracts, natural products, and cosmetic formulations, applying pharmaceutical-grade methodology to product categories that frequently receive far less rigorous evaluation.
Natural products are frequently investigated for potential anticancer, anti-inflammatory, dermatological, antimicrobial, and other biological activities. However, the strength of these claims depends on the quality and reproducibility of the supporting experimental data. Preliminary observations or single-concentration studies may be useful for identifying potential activity, but they are generally insufficient for establishing biological relevance, defining therapeutic potential, or supporting conclusions intended for regulatory, commercial, or scientific review.
A common limitation in natural product research is methodological variability. Studies may lack appropriate positive and negative controls, dose-response characterization, replicate testing, standardized formulations, or adequate assessment of cytotoxicity and nonspecific biological effects. Without these elements, it can be difficult to determine whether an observed response reflects a specific pharmacological effect, general cellular toxicity, variability in the test material, or experimental conditions.
More rigorous evaluation typically includes concentration-response studies, quantitative potency measurements, appropriate reference compounds, assessment of cell viability and toxicity, and confirmation of biological activity using complementary molecular or functional endpoints. For complex extracts or formulations, characterization of composition, batch consistency, stability, and exposure conditions can also be important for interpreting results and reproducing findings.
Well-designed preclinical studies therefore provide an important foundation for evaluating natural products and botanical-derived compounds. Standardized experimental methods, defined controls, appropriate statistical analysis, and reproducible biological endpoints can help distinguish promising candidates from nonspecific activity and generate data suitable for scientific publications, product development decisions, regulatory documentation, and further preclinical investigation.
Altogen Labs applies the same standards used for investigational new drugs (IND). Botanical anticancer claims can be tested through in vitro viability and IC50 screening across the company’s tumor cell line panel, apoptosis assessment by caspase-3 and caspase-7 activation, and in vivo efficacy in validated xenograft models. Toxicity is characterized through cytotoxicity assays, genotoxicity evaluation by micronucleus and comet assays, and in vivo toxicology to OECD guidelines including acute oral, dermal, and inhalation protocols.
Cosmetic and topical formulations can be evaluated through acute dermal toxicity and dermal irritation studies, biocompatibility testing, and dermatology models – an area where the company has conducted published work on topical formulations in murine dermatitis models. The company notes that specific methodology varies with the extract and the research objective, and works with clients on study design before quoting.
About Altogen Labs
Altogen Labs is a preclinical CRO supporting drug development programs across oncology, pharmacology, toxicology, and translational research. The company has extensive experience with xenograft tumor models for preclinical efficacy studies and in vivo toxicology for safety evaluation, with a strong emphasis on high-quality, reproducible study execution and full client ownership of project-specific intellectual property. Altogen Labs works with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic organizations worldwide to evaluate therapeutic candidates in validated in vivo models and generate data for efficacy, safety, PK/PD, pathology, and IND-supporting studies. The company provides integrated preclinical services from early-stage evaluation through advanced development.
Contact Information:
Altogen Labs | 11200 Menchaca Rd, Bldg 2, Suite 203 | Austin, TX 78748 USA Tel: 512-433-6177 | Email: info@altogenlabs.com | Web: altogenlabs.com