what is the difference between root and extract?

[MIGHTY DOG 2004]

I am thinking of using herbs like Ginseng, Maca, or Tongkat. What is the difference betewen root, and extract?

 

[mrflexdiesel]

The root of an herb is just that "the root". It usually contains all or many of the active constituents of the herb at reasonably strong dosages. An extract of an herb is usually one of the herbs, usually the most desirable, constituents standardized to a guaranteed potency so that you are getting a strong and accurate dosage of the exact compound you are shooting for. Hope this helps.

 

[GoldenDelicious]

The root of an herb is just that "the root". It usually contains all or many of the active constituents of the herb at reasonably strong dosages. An extract of an herb is usually one of the herbs, usually the most desirable, constituents standardized to a guaranteed potency so that you are getting a strong and accurate dosage of the exact compound you are shooting for. Hope this helps.

first bit is right. second bit is a bit off

an extract is a very broad term. normally though its some portion of the material in question, typically ground up and separated via solubility, particle size, or not at all- it might just be a pulverized plant- which has been standardised to a single marker compound, which may or may not be the active agent in the extract. they are usually a pulverised plant in some sort of filler- oil, water, lactose, other herbs... for example, you might pulverise coffee, and sell it standardised to how much of an isoflavone or whatever is in the preparation. it will be guaranteed to be 4% (or whatever) isoflavone, but that is all the info you have. lets say you sell coffee extract to help people stay awake, you guarantee that it is 4% isoflavone, but the user doesnt know how much caffiene (which we all know is the active constituent) is in the preparation.

anyway its fairly obvious. a root is a root, and an extract is the thing you get from some sort of extraction. thats it.

cheers

 

[cdownie927]

so you are saying root would be better because you dont know exactly what you are getting in extract?

 

[GoldenDelicious]

no, im just saying what is what. better or worse depends on the particular product we are talking about. although i have little faith in most herbals. some are good, most are rubbish, many are dangerous

cheers