Definition:
A standardized extract is an herbal extract that has been processed so that it contains a specified amount of a certain compound, usually the one thought to be the active compound. The amount is then listed on the label with the intent to inform consumers that the product contains the listed amount of active compounds.
Not all manufacturers standardize their products to the same compounds, and there have also been many instances in which more than one compound has been found to be active. For example, St. John's wort products used to only be standardized to contain 0.3% of one of the components called hypericin; however, manufacturers are increasingly standardizing their products to 2 to 5% hyperforin.
Also Known As: standardization
