The reasons for extraction
As we discussed in our previous blog post on X: Y extracts and percentage purity, there are three main reasons for using extractions from natural sources in health supplements.
The original plant materials may contain a lot of other chemical compounds (known as phytochemicals) which may be toxic or unhealthy. An example is the experimental anti-cancer drug G202, shown to kill up to 50% of prostate cancer cells in mice over a 30 day period. G202 is extracted from Thapsia garganica, a Mediterranean weed which is also known as the “death carrot” .
