What is Standardised Extract?
A standardised extract is a botanical extract that has been adjusted so each batch contains a consistent, measured amount of a specific active compound. It gives a herb or mushroom a reliable potency rather than leaving the active content to vary from harvest to harvest.
A standardised extract is defined by a guaranteed level of a marker compound, which sets it apart from an extract ratio that only tells you how much raw material went in, not how much active came out. For ashwagandha that marker is usually withanolides, and for reishi it is often triterpenes. A named branded extract such as KSM-66 is one example of standardisation held to a fixed specification.
Standardisation suits anyone who wants to know what they are actually taking rather than trusting a vague label. The catch is that a marker compound is a proxy, not the whole plant, so standardising to one constituent can overlook the other compounds that may matter, and a high marker figure does not by itself prove the extract was made well.
You can see how we verify the actives in each batch on our science page.
Frequently asked questions
How is it different from an extract ratio?
An extract ratio tells you how much raw herb was concentrated, but not how much active compound ended up in the finished extract. A standardised extract guarantees the level of that active, so it is the more meaningful measure of potency.
Who uses it, or when is it the right choice?
It suits people who want consistency batch to batch and a clear sense of the active dose. It is the right choice when the active compound is well defined and worth measuring.
When is it the WRONG choice?
It can mislead when the marker compound is not the only thing that matters, since standardising to one constituent may pull focus from the wider plant. A high marker number alone is also not proof of a quality extract.