WHY STANDARDIZED HERBAL EXTRACTS?
Michael Tierra L.AC., O.M.D. Standardized extracts arose out of the need to create a uniform product for clinical trials. Broadly speaking, there are two types: One is based on identifying and quantifying an extract to a characteristic “chemical marker” compound. The second identifies and concentrates one or more as active constituents (ingredients), making it closer to the level of a chemical isolate. This means that other naturally occurring constituents are displaced at the expense of one or a number of compounds. Those who support standardized extracts believe that they represent a trend towards higher technological refinement. They believe that they will provide a more consistent, stronger and more effective product backed by chemical analysis to confirm the presence and ratio quantity of one or a number of characteristic plant constituents. They further assert that this will increase consumer confidence, and that this is ultimately good for greater acceptance of herbs by the medi
