What does it mean if a product claims to be standardized or to have guaranteed potency?

"Standardized" or "guaranteed potency" means the botanical extract has been analyzed for and contains a certain, known level of components (within a range of +/- 10 percent). These components help your health care provider have confidence that the chosen product will have a standard for effectiveness and quality.

Keep in mind that not all herbals are standardized. It is difficult to identify ingredients, and the active ingredient may not be present. For example, contamination or environmental conditions--such as temperature, rainfall, altitude and soil--can affect the quality and concentration of the active ingredient plant.