Not all extracts are created equal. Understanding how a root extract is made — and what "standardised" actually means — is the easiest way to judge quality and avoid poor products. Here's the process, start to finish.
A traditional plant extract is made from the root, stem or leaves of the plant. The chosen material is processed in water, alcohol or another solvent under heat and pressure to draw out the active compounds. Strength and quality have traditionally been judged by the weight of raw material used and the colour of the liquid extract.
The catch: a plant's chemistry varies with its environment, age and harvest time. So two "identical" traditional batches can differ in potency.
Standardised extracts are made the same way, but instead of relying on colour or weight, they use analytical testing to guarantee a set amount of one or more active components — usually expressed as a percentage. That means a far more consistent product from batch to batch.
A key point often misunderstood: standardised doesn't necessarily mean stronger than a good traditional extract — it means consistent and predictable, which makes it easier to dose accurately and more reliable to use.
The filtered liquid extract is spray-dried into a fine powder. These powders readily absorb moisture from the air, so they're processed in humidity-controlled conditions and stored in airtight containers to protect them.
Before any extract is fit for human consumption, it should be tested to confirm it's free from harmful bacteria, heavy metals and chemical contaminants. Look for testing carried out by independent, accredited laboratories such as SGS or Intertek — not just the supplier's own word.
Quality comes down to consistency and clean, independently tested material. For how to apply this when you buy, see our buyer's guide.
Continue reading: The Tongkat Ali buyer's guide →
