Navigating the Science Behind Botanical Extracts

Dr. Stephen Phipps, Thorne’s chief innovation officer, examines the changing field of ethnobotany, from cultural study to chemical analysis. Discover the difference between fresh herbs and herbal extracts, and how botanicals can be standardized for naturopathic uses.

Rundown

During this episode you’ll learn about:

• Stephen Phipps, chief innovation officer at Thorne HealthTech: The study of ethnobotany [3:24]
• How Indigenous people built early medical systems by experimenting with plant compounds in everyday life [6:10]
• Why standardized herbal extracts makes botanical supplements more accessible [13:53]
• The importance of quality analytical methods when testing botanical products [17:05]
• Questions from the community [22:44]
  • History of FDA regulation in herbal medicine [23:00]
  • Difference between an herb and a botanical [28:00]
  • How to determine which botanical supplements are right for you [29:16]
    • The academic pathway naturopathy experts take [30:35]
  • What's the difference between a botanical versus an extract versus a phytochemical? [33:43]
  • Do labels have to list everything in a product? [40:10]

Resources to topics mentioned in this episode:

• Curcumin Phytosome (formerly Meriva) https://www.thorne.com/products/dp/meriva-500-sf-60
• Berberine (formerly Berberine-500) https://www.thorne.com/products/dp/berberine-500
• Curcumin Phytosome — The Most Clinically Studied Curcumin on the Market https://www.thorne.com/take-5-daily/article/meet-meriva-the-most-clinically-studied-curcumin-on-the-market
• The Five Best Botanicals to Support Liver Health https://www.thorne.com/take-5-daily/article/the-five-best-botanicals-to-support-liver-health
• Episode 12: The Medicine Hunter Talks Ashwagandha https://www.thorne.com/take-5-daily/podcast/episode-12-the-medicine-hunter-talks-ashwagandha

 

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.