Supplement sleunt

Q: What's the difference between herbal liquids and capsules? Is one form superior?

A: Herbal capsules are two-piece capsules typically made from animal gelatin, or plant cellulose.

They are filled with single herbs or herb combinations for specific uses. The herbs are whole powders ground from dried flowers, roots, stems or leaves; powdered ratio extracts, which concentrate the powders; or standardized extracts, which contain a specific amount of an active compound.

Herbal liquid extracts are concentrated liquids prepared by extracting the herbs' active substances in an alcohol/water base. Nonalcohol extracts, called glycerites, are prepared by extracting herbs in alcohol and water, then evaporating the alcohol and blending the herbs into vegetable glycerine. A specified number of drops of the extract is placed in water and mixed.

Liquid extracts generally work better because they do not require digestion and can be absorbed immediately. In other words, their bioavailability is high. Capsules, on the other hand, require digestion of the gelatin and powder before absorption.

The downside to using liquid herbal extracts: smaller dosage amounts, less portable, more steps may be involved and sometimes bad taste can be an issue. Capsules can deliver more active ingredient per capsule than many drops/doses of liquid extracts, and simply need to be swallowed.

Gary Bushkin, PhD, CNC, is a consultant for the natural products industry who specializes in the development of supplements and functional and natural foods. His books include FAQs: All About Green Food Supplements. Do you have a supplement question? Email it to editorial@betternutrition.com.

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