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
Review: Cranberry proanthocyanidins and the maintenance of urinary tract health. Amy B Howell 1Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2002;42(3 Suppl):273-8.
Bioactive compounds in cranberries and their role in prevention of urinary tract infections.Howell AB. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2007 Jun;51(6):732-7.
In Vivo Consumption of Cranberry Exerts ex Vivo Antiadhesive Activity against FimH-Dominated Uropathogenic Escherichia coli: A Combined in Vivo, ex Vivo, and in Vitro Study of an Extract from Vaccinium macrocarpon. Rafsanjany N, Senker J, Brandt S, Dobrindt U, Hensel A. J Agric Food Chem. 2015 Oct 14;63(40):8804-18.
A-type cranberry proanthocyanidins and uropathogenic bacterial anti-adhesion activity. Howell AB, Reed JD, Krueger CG, Winterbottom R, Cunningham DG, Leahy M. Phytochemistry. 2005 Sep;66(18):2281-91.
Cranberry Consumption Against Urinary Tract Infections: Clinical Stateof- the-Art and Future Perspectives. Mantzorou M, Giaginis C. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2018;19(13):1049-1063.
Cranberries and lower urinary tract infection prevention. Marcelo Hisano,I Homero Bruschini,I Antonio Carlos Nicodemo,II and Miguel SrougiI Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2012 Jun; 67(6): 661–667.
Zafriri D, Ofek I, Adar R, Pocino M, Sharon N. Inhibitory activity of cranberry juice on adherence of type 1 and type P fimbriated Escherichia coli to eucaryotic cells. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1989;33(1):92–8