Definition

A standardized extract is a botanical preparation processed to contain a consistent, guaranteed amount of specific active compounds or marker constituents. For example, St. John's wort may be standardized to 0.3% hypericin, or turmeric to 95% curcuminoids. Standardization ensures reliable potency and consistent therapeutic effects across batches.

Why It Matters

Raw herbs vary in potency due to growing conditions, harvest timing, and storage. Standardized extracts provide consistent, research-backed doses of active compounds, ensuring predictable therapeutic effects. This is especially important for conditions requiring specific dosing or when research supports particular compound concentrations.

Related Conditions

Depression Anxiety Inflammation Cognitive Decline Joint Pain

Related Modalities

Botanical Medicine Nutraceuticals

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily 'better,' but different. Standardized extracts ensure consistent potency and are useful when research supports specific compound levels. Whole herb preparations maintain the plant's full spectrum of compounds, which may work synergistically. Both have value depending on the application.

Standardized supplements list the percentage of active compounds on the label—for example, 'Ginkgo biloba extract, standardized to 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones.' If the label doesn't specify standardization, the product likely uses non-standardized whole herb.