Plant-based vs synthetic biotin: what Agathi (Sesbania) extract labels tell you

By Kraeuterhaus Sanct Bernhard India · Last checked 30 September 2026

Biotin is a B vitamin. It is the same compound whether it is made synthetically or comes from a plant extract such as Agathi (Sesbania grandiflora). What differs between products is how much biotin one serving provides, what else comes with it, and how clearly the label states it. Adults need small amounts (NIH gives an Adequate Intake of 30 micrograms a day), most people get biotin from food, and if you take any biotin supplement you should tell your doctor before a blood test.

What is biotin?

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that is naturally present in some foods and is also sold as a supplement. In the body it works as a helper for five enzymes (carboxylases) involved in the metabolism of fatty acids, carbohydrates and amino acids. [1]

In foods, most biotin is bound to protein. Digestion releases free biotin, which is then absorbed in the small intestine. Supplements usually contain free biotin, and NIH's Office of Dietary Supplements notes that the absorption of oral free biotin is close to complete. [1]

How much biotin do adults need?

Scientists have not set a formal RDA for biotin. Instead, the US Food and Nutrition Board set an Adequate Intake (AI): 30 micrograms (mcg) a day for adults, and 35 mcg during breastfeeding. The US Daily Value on supplement labels is also 30 mcg. [1]

Most people get enough. NIH describes biotin deficiency as rare, and estimates average intakes from food in western populations at about 35 to 70 mcg a day. [1] Whatever product you look at, read its label for the amount of biotin per daily serving.

Where is biotin found in food?

Many foods contain some biotin. According to NIH, the richest sources include organ meats, eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts and some vegetables, such as sweet potatoes. [1] For vegetarians, roasted sunflower seeds, almonds and sweet potato are among the foods listed, while milk, yoghurt and oats contain smaller amounts.

One detail is worth knowing: raw egg white contains avidin, a protein that binds biotin and stops it from being absorbed. Cooking the egg inactivates avidin. [1]

What is Agathi (Sesbania grandiflora)?

Agathi, or Sesbania grandiflora, is a fast-growing tree of the legume family (Fabaceae). A 2026 review by researchers at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education describes it as native to Malesia and New Guinea, with edible flowers, leaves and pods, and as one of India's most widely eaten green vegetables. [3] In many South Indian kitchens the leaves are known as agathi keerai.

The same review describes supplement ingredients made from Sesbania grandiflora extract that are standardised to a stated amount of natural biotin. [3] That is the idea behind an "Agathi biotin" product: a plant extract whose biotin content is controlled.

Plant-based vs synthetic biotin: what really differs?

• The biotin itself. Biotin is one compound, whatever its source.
• The amount per serving. This varies enormously between products, from a few micrograms in a multivitamin to thousands of micrograms in some single-ingredient products. Always compare biotin in mcg per daily serving.
• What comes with it. A plant extract brings other plant compounds along with the biotin. A synthetic biotin product usually contains biotin plus fillers.
• How the label states it. A line such as "Sesbania grandiflora extract 2000 mg" is the amount of extract, not the amount of biotin. Look for a separate biotin figure and the number of units per serving.

On outcomes, NIH's Office of Dietary Supplements notes that the evidence for biotin supplements and hair, skin and nail health in healthy people is limited, and that more studies are needed. [1] Choose a product for its clear label and a dose you are comfortable with, not for dramatic promises.

Biotin and blood tests: tell your doctor

This is the most useful safety point about biotin. High biotin intake can interfere with some laboratory tests that use biotin-based technology, including some hormone tests such as thyroid tests, and give falsely high or falsely low results. [1] The US FDA has warned doctors and laboratories that biotin, often found in dietary supplements, can significantly interfere with certain lab tests and cause incorrect results that may go undetected. [2]

What to do: before any blood test, tell your doctor and the laboratory that you take biotin, including multivitamins or hair, skin and nail products that contain it. They can tell you whether to pause it and for how long.

Who should check with a doctor?

Speak to your doctor before taking a biotin supplement if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take any regular medicine. NIH also advises telling your healthcare providers about every supplement you take. [4]

About Biotin Radiant Revive

Biotin Radiant Revive is our daily tablet made with Sesbania grandiflora (Agathi) extract: 2000 mg of extract per daily serving of 4 tablets. The biotin in it comes from that extract. For the biotin content per serving, please see the label on the product page. The label dose is: "Take 4 tablets per day with sufficient liquid or as prescribed by your healthcare professional." Each jar holds 100 tablets, which lasts 25 days at the label dose.

The label advises: for adults only; keep out of reach of children; do not exceed the recommended daily dose. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, lactating or trying to conceive, or take any medication, consult your healthcare professional before use. Biotin Radiant Revive is a German formula, made fresh in India. Browse our hair, skin and nails range, or read our guide to reading a supplement label.

Frequently asked questions

Is plant-based biotin better than synthetic biotin?

Biotin is the same compound whatever its source. What differs is the amount per serving, the other ingredients and how clearly the label states them. Compare biotin in micrograms per daily serving.

How much biotin do I need per day?

NIH gives an Adequate Intake of 30 mcg a day for adults (35 mcg when breastfeeding). Most people get enough from food, and deficiency is rare. [1]

What is Agathi (Sesbania grandiflora)?

A fast-growing legume tree whose leaves, flowers and pods are eaten as vegetables in India. Some supplement extracts made from it are standardised to a stated amount of natural biotin. [3]

Can biotin affect blood test results?

Yes. High biotin intake can cause falsely high or falsely low results in some lab tests. Tell your doctor and the lab about any biotin supplement before a blood test. [1][2]

Can I get enough biotin from food?

Most people do. Eggs (cooked), fish, meat, seeds, nuts and sweet potatoes are among the better sources. [1]

This article is general information, not medical advice. Our products are health supplements, not medicines, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please read the label before use.

Sources

1. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Biotin: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals (updated 10 January 2022). ods.od.nih.gov
2. US Food and Drug Administration. Biotin Interference with Troponin Lab Tests: Assays Subject to Biotin Interference. fda.gov
3. Vijishna LV, Ramesh MM, Adarkar R, et al. Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Pers.: A review of its phytochemistry, molecular pharmacology, and clinical potential. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. 2026;16(03):001–013. doi:10.7324/JAPS.2026.276745 (open access). japsonline.com (PDF)
4. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know (consumer fact sheet, updated 4 January 2023). ods.od.nih.gov

Sources checked on 30 September 2026.