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What is the difference between a standardized extract and a whole herb product?
A standardized extract is a given percentage of active constituent(s)
extracted from the whole herb. A whole herb is nothing more than ground
plant parts.
How can I tell if I am getting
the correct amount of product?
A standardized
extract is a known percentage "strength" of what
is believed to be the
active ingredient that was identified in clinical trials. It means nothing
unless the weight of the active ingredient is listed as well. For
instance, in a Ginseng standardized extract product, 8%-standardized
extract doesn’t say how much Ginsenosides are in the product, unless
the weight of the active ingredient (such as 8mg Ginsenosides) is
stated. Be sure to remember, however, that the total fill weight of the
capsule (such as 350mg) does NOT tell us how much of the active
ingredient we are taking either!
If there is only 8mg of active
constituent (extract) in a capsule of Ginseng, then what else is in the
capsule?
Scientific Herbals™ adds
the standardized extract to an assayed whole herb powder, so that you are
getting an exact known quantity of active constituents as well as the
whole herb. Unlike some other manufacturers, there are never fillers or
extraneous chemicals in our products.
What exactly should I look for in
an standardized extract herbal product label?
- Look for and compare
quantities of active constituents, not fill weights.
- Watch out for padding- 1000mcg
is the same as 1 milligram- but sounds like a lot more.
- Beware of a long list of
ingredients that have no clinically proven benefits!
- Make sure your product has
been manufactured to pharmaceutical grade standards.
How much can products vary in
potency?
A recent study to be
published in the Fall issue of JANA (Journal of the American Nutraceutical
Association) revealed that in 24 Echinacea products the amounts of active
constituents varied dramatically from some that contained very little to
others that contained more than 10X the label claim.
How do I know what to take for
any specific condition?
Ask your Doctor for
advice. Let him or her know that you want to try herbal supplements
rather than or in addition to taking prescription drugs. Alternately, look
for a therapy index like this one and choose yourself, but be sure to let
your Doctor know what you are taking.
Is expiration date on the label
important?
Yes! Since many supplements
diminish in potency over time, it’s important to buy products with
freshness dating.
How do I know what works?
We are all unique, and what
works for one person might not work for another. If a product doesn’t
seem to work, make sure you are taking it correctly, and don’t assume
that all herbs are ineffective! Remember that some herbs take up to 60
days to begin working.
Should I take herbal products if
I am pregnant?
It’s important to avoid
all herbal products if pregnant. Also, if you’re immune-suppressed
(if you have HIV or Hepatitis B or C), you should consult your doctor
before using any supplements.
Is it important to tell my Doctor
that I’m using herbal products?
It’s
very important to talk to your Doctor.
These products work and therefore may cause a harmful interaction with
prescription drugs.
Why trust Scientific Herbals™?
All Scientific Herbals™
products are assayed (in addition to the bulk herb supplier’s assay) to
assure the highest quality products. Additionally, we manufacture
according to USP (United States Pharmacopoeia) and FDA GMP (Good
Manufacturing Practices) standards.
What is Batch Tested?
It is Scientific Herbals
™ guarantee that our product conforms to pharmaceutical grade
manufacturing guidelines, including complete and thoroughly documented
Batch Records, as defined by cGMP.
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