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The "broad spectrum" extracts, supplied by PlusPharma, match their parent
natural plant material in the broad spectrum of components, thereby sharing the original
herb's potency and safety. Some extract manufacturers isolate only one or a few components of
the herb, which they claim to be the "active ingredient." In reality, it is very
unusual for scientists to agree on which component in an herb is the effective one. In
most cases, there is evidence that many components have an effect, and each contributes to
the activity of the whole herb. By isolating only a few components, upsetting the herb's
natural balance may lead to a loss of potency or even to toxicity. In fact, these types of
isolated extracts bear a closer resemblance to synthetic drugs than they do to the herbs
from which they are derived.
Case in point: Echinacea. Its benefits result from a broad
spectrum of components
Echinacea has been extensively studied over the years, and scientists have found it
impossible to attribute its activity to any one particular compound. Rather, there are
three broad categories of compounds which show activity: the polysaccharides, the
alkylamides, and the phenolics. Of the three, many researchers consider the phenolics to
be the least active and specific category. Yet, several American companies have lately
been marketing "standardized" echinacea extracts which, they brag, contain a few
percent of echinacoside or cichoric acid -- compounds that belong in the phenolic
category. It is senseless to attribute the activity of echinacea primarily to either of
these compounds, because their occurrence in different echinacea species does not
correlate with the activity of the species.
For example, E. Angustifolia contains only trace amounts of cichoric acid, yet
it exhibits significant health-enhancing activity. Likewise, E. Purpurea contains
no echinacoside, yet exhibits significant activity. From these facts, it can be concluded
that neither cichoric acid nor echinacoside comprises the primary source of activity.
PlusPharma distributes a truly broad spectrum echinacea extract, produced by Flachsmann in
Switzerland. Since some researchers consider the alkylamide fraction to have the greatest
activity in echinacea, Flachsmann takes great pains to ensure that their extract contains
a minimum of 0.3% alkylamide components. But they don't stop there; in addition, their
extract contains significant amounts of both polysaccharides and phenolics (approximately
10% to 20%). Only extracts with such a broad spectrum of components can hope to duplicate
the complex chemistry and unique benefits of this herb.
Broad spectrum extracts supplied by PlusPharma result from
complex production procedures
PlusPharma is the exclusive North American distributor of broad spectrum botanical
extracts produced in Switzerland by Emil Flachsmann AG. Scientists there evaluate the
herb's traditional methods of cultivation, harvesting, preparations and dosages. The raw
material is carefully analyzed with chromatographic and spectroscopic testing. It is
tested for pesticides, heavy metal residue, and even radioactivity. Only the finest
quality herbs are selected for extraction. They then undergo Flachsmann's patented
processing which protects against enzymatic breakdown and the loss of volatile components.
Sterilization is conducted with UHT (ultra-high temperature) rather than harmful
irradiation or toxic gasses. Finally, the product must pass the same stringent battery of
tests used for the original herb, as well as additional tests for microbiological purity
and solvent residues. The chemical profile of the extract is compared to that of the
original plant to be sure that the extracts' composition was not compromised in
processing. This matching is the indication of a broad spectrum extract.
PlusPharma' team of scientists can answer any detailed questions about extract quality,
formulations or dosages. Feel free to call Staci Eisner, PlusPharma' Technical Director,
for more information.
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