Standardized Extracts

Standardized extracts are plant extracts where the manufacturer declares the content of a specific group of compounds, such as flavonoids. This category includes extracts from many plants, described by the extraction ratio, standardization, or both at once. Below we explain how to read these markings and what to check before making a choice.

Standardized Extracts: What You Will Find in the Category

The largest group consists of extracts from the brand Canntropy, introduced to the market by the Czech company Brands of Hemp from Příbram. Each species is available in several weights, usually 5 g, 10 g, and 25 g. These include, among others, damiana, small-flowered mullein, Ginkgo biloba, valerian, marshmallow, and raspberry leaves.

The second group consists of extracts in 5 g packages with an included 15 mg scoop, among which are the most concentrated in the category. This includes, among others, Rhodiola rosea, Bacopa monnieri, and thin-leaved crosswort. Separately stands the extract from ashwagandha root standardized to 5% withanolides. Other plant materials can be found in the Herbs category, and other plant extracts in the Plant Extracts category.

Extraction Ratio

A notation like 10:1 indicates how many parts of dry raw material correspond to one part of the finished extract. In this category, the range is large: from 4:1 for raspberry leaves, through 10:1 and 20:1, to 100:1 and 200:1. For 100:1 extracts, the manufacturer directly converts this: 5 g of extract corresponds to 500 g of raw material.

The ratio describes the degree of concentration, not the content of a specific substance. This depends on the quality of the starting raw material and the extraction method, so two 10:1 extracts may differ in composition. Therefore, when comparing, the second notation matters.

Standardization for a Group of Compounds

Standardization indicates what percentage of the extract’s mass constitutes the indicated group of compounds. The extract from Ginkgo biloba has two declared indicators at once: 24% flavonoids and 6% lactones. The extract from passionflower is standardized to 5% flavonoids, and ashwagandha to 5% withanolides.

Some items have both notations simultaneously. Bacopa monnieri has a concentration of 25:1 and 55% bacosides, Rhodiola rosea 10:1 and 10% salidrosides, and thin-leaved crosswort 50:1 and 10% saponins. Such a description says the most: how much the raw material has been concentrated and how much of the indicator compound is in it.

Latin Name and Part of the Plant

Common names can be misleading, so always check the Latin name. Koningskaars is the Dutch name for mullein, which is Verbascum thapsus. Marihuanilla is Siberian motherwort, Leonurus sibiricus, a plant unrelated to cannabis despite its name.

The second piece of information is the part of the plant, as roots, leaves, and bark contain different compounds. Marshmallow and valerian are extracts from the root, Ginkgo and raspberry from the leaves, and muira puama from the root and bark. The species and part of the plant together indicate what exactly is in the package.

Declared Purpose

Before making a choice, check what the manufacturer designates the given extract for, as most items in this category are not dietary supplements. Canntropy describes its raw materials as exclusively collectible, not intended for direct consumption or smoking, and restricts their sale to adults only.

The extracts with a 15 mg scoop are labeled as products for aromatherapy and also exclude them from consumption. The declaration of purpose is present with each item, and it is this, not the name of the plant, that indicates how to handle the product.

Weight and Storage

The weights of the same extract differ only in the mass of the raw material, while the ratio, standardization, and species remain the same. A 5 g package is sufficient for starting a collection, while 25 g is a supply. For 100:1 and 200:1 extracts, the manufacturer includes a 15 mg scoop.

The powdered extract absorbs moisture, so seal the package tightly after each opening. Store it in a dry and dark place, out of reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ratio and standardization?

The ratio, for example, 10:1, indicates how much raw material has been concentrated in one part of the extract. Standardization, for example, 24% flavonoids, indicates the share of a specific group of compounds in the mass of the extract. The first describes the process, the second the composition. The most complete description is for items with both notations, for example, bacopa 25:1 and 55% bacosides.

Are extracts from this category consumable?

Most are not. Canntropy designates its extracts exclusively for collectible purposes, without direct consumption or smoking, and extracts with a 15 mg scoop are labeled as products for aromatherapy. You can check the declaration with each item. Canntropy also restricts the sale of its raw materials to adults only.

What does 100:1 on the package mean?

That the extract was made from a hundred times greater mass of dry raw material. The manufacturer converts this based on the package: 5 g of extract corresponds to 500 g of raw material. For 100:1 and 200:1 extracts, the manufacturer includes a 15 mg scoop in the package, and these are the most concentrated extracts in this category.

What is the difference between weights of the same extract?

Only mass. The species, ratio or standardization, and manufacturer are the same in 5 g, 10 g, and 25 g packages. A 5 g package is a good start for a collection, while 25 g is a supply. In packages with 100:1 and 200:1 extracts, a 15 mg scoop is included.

Does marihuanilla have anything to do with cannabis?

No, despite such a name. It is Siberian motherwort, Leonurus sibiricus, and its only connection to cannabis is the common name, not kinship. Common names can be misleading, so when it comes to extracts, always check the Latin name and the part of the plant, as roots, leaves, and bark contain different compounds.