Plant Extracts

How to choose a herbal extract

Between two products with the same plant name, there can be a huge difference in concentration. These five points show you what to look for on the label.

1. Botanical name and plant part

Common names can be misleading: “Siberian ginseng” is Eleutherococcus senticosus and not a Panax. Look for the botanical nameand the part used, as roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits have different compositions.

2. Standardization and extraction ratio

A standardized extractguarantees a defined percentage of specific compounds, such as curcuminoids, rosavins, or beta-glucans, and keeps batches consistent. A 10:1 ratio indicates how much of the plant was needed to make the extract, but it doesn't say which compounds remained.

3. Powder, dry extract, or tincture

Powder is the dried and ground plant. Dry extract comes concentrated, almost always in capsules. A tincture is liquid, in alcohol or glycerin, and allows you to adjust the amount drop by drop. Doses of these three cannot be compared with each other.

4. Single plants and traditional formulas

There are single-plant products and formulas that combine several, including traditional Chinese medicine compositions and mushroom formulas. In combinations, check how much of each ingredient is in the daily dose: many spread small amounts across a long list.

5. Interactions and precautions

Concentrated extracts have known interactions with medications. Talk to your doctor if you take anticoagulants, antidepressants, hormonal contraceptives, or immunosuppressants, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an autoimmune disease. Before surgery, some extracts should be discontinued two weeks in advance.