Imagine walking through a lush garden, surrounded by vibrant flowers, illuminating fungi and aromatic herbs. As you stop to admire a beautiful rose bush, you notice a small bottle filled with a mysterious liquid. Curious, you pick it up and take a whiff. The scent is intense, pure, and incredibly fragrant as if a thousand rose bushes have been condensed inside. You've just stumbled upon an extract.
What are Extracts?
Extracts are concentrated forms of natural substances, such as mushrooms, plants, herbs, or fruits. They are created by extracting the essential oils, flavours, or active compounds from the raw material. This process results in a potent liquid that captures the essence of the original source. Some liquid extracts can be concentrated even further by reducing them down into an extract powder.
How do Extracts Work?
Extracts work by harnessing the concentrated power of the original source material. Whether it's the rich flavour of vanilla in baking or the soothing properties of lavender in skincare, extracts add a punch of intensity in just a small amount. This allows for greater control over the flavour, aroma, or medicinal benefits they provide.
When are Extracts Preferable?
Extracts are preferable when a strong, consistent flavour or scent is desired without the bulk of using the raw material. They are commonly used in cooking, baking, aromatherapy, skincare, and even in pharmaceuticals. With extracts, you can achieve a more potent result with just a small amount.
There are also times when extracts are essential. Many of the functional properties in fungi aren't bioavailable in their culinary form. Locked away behind the cell walls known as 'chitin', our inability to ingest chitin means, the compounds can't be absorbed into the body. To access these medicinal properties, we must first extract them.
How are Extracts Made?
Extracts are made through various methods, including distillation, cold pressing, or solvent extraction. Each method is tailored to the specific properties of the source material to extract the desired components effectively. Extract producers will often apply an extract ratio to demonstrate the concentration of their product verses the source material. A kilo of ground coffee typically makes 0.2kg of extract. Also known as 'instant coffee'. This concentration is referred to as (5:1) where five times the volume of dried source material is required.
What Makes an Extract Effective?
An effective extract is one that contains a high concentration of the desired compound or active ingredient. A concentration ratio alone gives no indication of the quality of the extraction or the source material. Ultimately, there is no substitute for laboratory testing. A medicinal concentration is often expressed as a percentage on the supplementary information. The higher the percentage, the more potent the extract is likely to be. In the case of functional mushrooms these active compounds include polysaccharides, alpha and beta glucans and triterpenes to name a few.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Extracts
When purchasing extracts, there are several factors to take into consideration. First and foremost, you should look for extracts that are standardised, meaning that the concentration of the active ingredient is consistent from batch to batch. This ensures that you are getting a reliable product each time you purchase it.
Additionally, it's important to consider the source of the extract. Some extracts may be derived from organic sources, while others may be synthetic. Organic extracts are often preferable for their purity and lack of harmful chemicals which if present can become concentrated during the extraction process.
A certificate of analysis (COA) can be a useful tool to examine the underlying properties of the extract. Ensuring it meets the requirements of active compounds and contains no traces of heavy metals, pesticides or fillers.
Can Extracts Be Dangerous?
While extracts can offer a range of health benefits, it's important to use them responsibly. In some cases, extracts can be dangerous if consumed in excessive amounts or if they are contaminated with harmful substances. Always follow the recommended dosage guidelines provided by the manufacturer and ensure that you are purchasing extracts from reputable sources.
Some extracts may also interact with medications or underlying health conditions, so it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating extracts into your routine, especially if you have any pre-existing health concerns.
By understanding what makes an extract effective, considering important factors when purchasing extracts, and using them responsibly, you can harness the benefits of these potent products safely and effectively.
Final Thought
We select extracts with active ingredients that target specific medicinal functions. Our process involves a thorough scientific literature review and sourcing materials based on our requirements, which includes strain-specific source material and concentrated extraction methods.
On many occasions we take contrary decisions to mainstream manufacturers in line with our mission to produce the most effective functional products.
If you haven't already tried them, I invite you to do so today.
Namaste.