Quick answer
An extract ratio such as 15:1 means 15kg of raw plant was used to make 1kg of extract. A standardised percentage, such as 80% silymarin or 70% carvacrol, tells you how much of a specific compound the extract contains. Both help you compare herbal supplements, but they measure different things.
15:1
15 parts raw plant to 1 part extract
80% silymarin
80% of the extract is silymarin
70% carvacrol
70% of the oil is carvacrol
Equivalent
The raw-herb amount an extract represents
What is an extract ratio?
Making an extract concentrates a plant. A ratio such as 15:1 (sometimes written 15:1 DER, for drug-to-extract ratio) tells you how much starting material went into the final extract. For example, MAYN Pomegranate Extract is a 15:1 extract.
Example: 100mg of a 15:1 extract was made from about 1500mg of the original plant material. That's why some labels say "equivalent to" a larger amount of dry herb.
What does a standardised percentage mean?
Standardisation means the extract is tested and adjusted to contain a consistent amount of a particular compound. Instead of telling you how much plant was used, it tells you what's in the final extract.
| Label claim | What it tells you | MAYN example |
|---|---|---|
| 15:1 extract | Concentration of the starting plant | Pomegranate Extract 15:1 |
| 80% silymarin | Silymarin content of milk thistle extract | Milk Thistle Liquid Drops |
| 70% carvacrol | Carvacrol content of oregano oil | Oregano Oil Liquid Drops |
Ratio vs standardised: which matters more?
They answer different questions. A ratio tells you how concentrated the extract is; a percentage tells you how much of a key compound is present. Some products list both. When comparing two products, compare like with like: ratio with ratio, or percentage with percentage.
Tip: If a label says "equivalent to 5000mg dry herb", look for the actual extract weight too. The equivalent figure is always bigger.
Where do the compounds come from?
- Silymarin is a group of compounds from the seeds of milk thistle (Silybum marianum).
- Carvacrol is the main aromatic compound in oregano oil and gives oregano its sharp smell.
- Pomegranate extracts are usually made from the fruit, peel or seeds of Punica granatum.
Frequently asked questions
Is a higher extract ratio always better?
Not necessarily. A higher ratio means more concentrated, but what matters is the amount of extract per serve and, where listed, the amount of key compounds.
What does DER mean?
DER stands for drug-to-extract ratio. It's another way of writing the extract ratio, such as 15:1.
What does 'equivalent to dry herb' mean?
It's the amount of original plant material the extract was made from. The actual extract in the product weighs less.
Keep reading
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Dietary supplements should not replace a balanced diet. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, speak with your doctor or pharmacist before taking a new supplement.
