In the world of medicinal plants and natural food supplements, a fundamental debate animates the experts: is it better to isolate the active principles of a plant or to use the plant in its entirety ? In fact, there are a number of processes that can be used to make the most of a plant's properties.

The decision to extract a plant's active ingredients by isolating its compounds, or to consume the whole plant while respecting its internal synergies, depends on a number of factors. Let's take a look at what's at stake in these opposing but potentially complementary approaches.

Plant extracts: the targeted power of isolated active ingredients

Extracting the active ingredients present in the plant is the modern approach par excellence. Its history is a perfect illustration of its benefits: just think of willow bark, from which salicylin was isolated in the 19th century to give rise to the aspirin we commonly consume today. This extraction process, now standard in the pharmaceutical industry, offers decisive advantages.

Extraction produces a maximum concentration of active ingredients, this approach also guarantees a high level of safety and efficacy, considerably potentiating their therapeutic effects while improving their bioavailability. This approach also guarantees precise, reproducible dosing, this ensures predictable therapeutic efficacy and a measurable dose-response effect. Not to mention ease of use these include capsules, tablets and tinctures, which benefit from greater temporal stability, preserving the integrity and efficacy of the active ingredients over time.

Plant extraction methods

Visit methods that extract the plant's active ingredients adapt to the nature of the plant. They can be combined for best results. Visit solvents the most commonly used are water, , alcohol and oil. 

• Maceration the plant is immersed in a solvent to recover its active ingredients, at room temperature.
• Infusion the plant is immersed in boiling water and then cooled
• The decoction the hard parts of the plant (bark and roots) are immersed in boiling water.
• Percolation continuous solvent flow through a bed of plant material
• Distillation steam is used to separate the plant's essential oils from the hydrosol.
• Digestion: the solvent is heated and maintained at a constant temperature for several hours.

The whole plant: nature's wisdom and complex synergies

But beware! Many experts defend the traditional whole-plant approach. Since ancient times, people have used plants in their entirety to relieve their ailments, such as willow tea for fever, to relieve pains of the rheumatism, and fight against common cold, or turmeric to soothe inflammation.

The plant's "totum

This approach is based on a fundamental concept: effect totum (from the Latin "totality"). This natural synergy between all the components of a plant represents a subtle balance that modern science still struggles to reproduce. Unlike the conventional pharmaceutical approach, , herbalism and the phytotherapy consider thatno single molecule is as effective as the original plant in all its complexity.

The advantages of this approach are numerous. The preserving compound synergy creates a natural balance impossible to reproduce artificially, enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing undesirable effects. The whole plant also provides complementary nutrients - fibers, vitamins and minerals - optimizing absorption and potentiating the effect of the main molecules. And let's not forget the economic aspect: the whole plant is generally more affordable than its concentrated extracts.

Extracts or whole plant: a complex choice on the dietary supplements market

Faced with these two visions, the dietary supplements market has polarized. On the one hand, pharmaceutical-inspired laboratories offer formulas based on highly concentrated extracts, guaranteeing a precise content of active ingredients. On the other, those closer to the phytotherapeutic tradition favor whole plants, enhancing their natural balance and original biochemical complexity.

Each approach has its limitations. Extracts, while powerful, can upsetting the natural balance of the plant, resulting in a loss of overall efficacy or the appearance of side effects. Their high concentration increases the risk of overdose, in addition, extraction conditions can alter certain fragile compounds. Not to mention their generally higher cost.

Conversely, the whole plant suffers from a concentration variability in active ingredients depending on the season, growing location and other environmental factors. Visit dosage becomes more restrictive with large volumes to be consumed to reach an effective therapeutic dose. The taste can also put off some users, and the conservation proves more delicate, whole plants deteriorate faster than standardized extracts.

Pronatur innovation: the best of both worlds with the TOTUM effect

Faced with this dilemma, Laboratoire Pronatur developed a new approach that transcends this traditional opposition. Rather than choosing between extraction or whole plant, Pronatur has innovated by intelligently combining these two approaches to create a optimized totum effect.

This third approach combines the benefits of the whole plant matrix with its concentrated active ingredients, offering the best of both worlds: the natural synergy of the whole plant (in powder form) and the targeted power of extracts. This innovation can be found in food supplements such as AGYflex® CURCUMA and HARPAGOPHYTUM, which target joint well-being by maximizing the effectiveness of their ingredients through this unique synergy.

When you choose Pronatur, you benefit from combined benefits of both approaches the dosing precision and the extract power, combined with balance and natural synergies from the whole plant. A innovative solution which meets the expectations of the most demanding consumers when it comes to natural food supplements.

Note:

It is important to note that some plants may be toxic or have undesirable side effects, regardless of the form in which they are consumed. It is therefore advisable to consult a health professional before consuming medicinal plants.

This article is not a substitute for medical care. This information is not a therapeutic claim. The dietary supplements, massage gel and green clay poultice sold by PRONATUR are not medicines and cannot in any way replace treatment, a diversified, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.