Two things are key when we develop a new phytotherapeutical product: we use total extracts and we combine several extracts from different plants.
Why? Allow us to explain the benefits!
What is a total extract?
Instead of extracting one or a few (active) molecules from a plant part (roots, leaves, stem…), we choose to take total extracts. That means that we maintain the ratio of most (if not all) molecules and substances from that plant part. That is important because it maintains the synergy of these many molecules and that, in turn, increases the effectivity of its action. Another benefit is that, because many different active molecules can remain in the extract, it can have its multifunctional effect through a simultaneous approach via different pathways.
In this graph, you can clearly see why total extracts are so beneficial for their effect.
Why do we combine extracts from several plants?
When developing a new product for a certain indication, we conduct a thorough literature research first to define plants with proven effects. Then we go to the lab to test different combinations and ratios of their total extracts to then finally define the most optimal combination of different total plant extracts. Combining the extracts of several plants ensures another level of synergy of the activity and thus also an increased effectivity. Furthermore, we allow for an even higher level of multifunctional effect through the action via different pathways. And because of this synergy and multifunction effect, we can use less of each extract to reach an optimal effect which reduces (or even eliminates) the toxicity.
REFERENCES
Wagner H, Ulrich-Merzenich G. Synergy research: approaching a new generation of phytopharmaceuticals. Phytomedicine. 2009 Mar;16(2-3):97-110. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2008.12.018. PMID: 19211237.
Williamson EM. Synergy and other interactions in phytomedicines. Phytomedicine. 2001 Sep;8(5):401-9. doi: 10.1078/0944-7113-00060. PMID: 11695885.
Li S, Zhang B. Traditional Chinese medicine network pharmacology: theory, methodology and application. Chin J Nat Med. 2013 Mar;11(2):110-20. doi: 10.1016/S1875-5364(13)60037-0. PMID: 23787177.
Liu RH. Potential synergy of phytochemicals in cancer prevention: mechanism of action. J Nutr. 2004 Dec;134(12 Suppl):3479S-3485S. doi: 10.1093/jn/134.12.3479S. PMID: 15570057.
Parasuraman S, Thing GS, Dhanaraj SA. Polyherbal formulation: Concept of ayurveda. Pharmacogn Rev. 2014 Jul;8(16):73-80. doi: 10.4103/0973-7847.134229. PMID: 25125878; PMCID: PMC4127824.
Rajiv Yadav, Praveen Kumar, Amit, Nancy Mathur, Ankit, Anjali Beri, Sangita Saini. Synergistic Effects of Whole Plant Extracts: A Comparative Study with Isolated Bioactive Compounds. 2024; Volume 6 , Issue -15 : Page: 7988-8011