Unfortunately, with the rising popularity of Ayurveda, there has been an abundance of products that claim to have an Ayurvedic touch, but actually contain little to no active ingredient that is proven to work like ashwagandha, shatavari, or shilajit. Just because a jar is labeled as pure ashwagandha powder doesn't necessarily mean that it has a significant ashwagandha withanolide content which is the key aspect of ashwagandha that gives it its traditional and researched benefits.
When you are serious about Ayurveda, as a practitioner, a frequent user of supplements, or part of a proper wellness program, it is critical to know how to ensure that a supplement has some actual active ingredients and not just marketing-speak about herbs. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to check.
Why is Active Compound Verification important?
All of the well known ayurvedic herbs have specific bioactive compounds like withanolides, curcuminoids, bacosides, saponins, fulvic acid etc.Withanolides, curcuminoids, bacosides, saponins, fulvic acid are some of the bioactive compounds of all of the well known ayurvedic herbs. That is not the end of the story, however; the concentration and quality of these specific compounds can vary significantly depending on the conditions under which the herb was grown, the time it was harvested, how it was processed and the overall quality control.
Two products can both have the word ‘ashwagandha' on its label, but the content of withanolides might vary by as much as 10 times, and sometimes even more, between the two. That is why it's crucial to know how to confirm the presence of the active ingredients when someone really wants to see the benefits of Ayurvedic herbs.
Check for Standardized Extract Information
The simplest way to tell if a good quality product is available is when the manufacturer guarantees the percentage of the main active compound in the product (standardization). The dosage may be 5% withanolides or more, instead of just "ashwagandha root powder" and nothing else.
Products without any standardization information aren't necessarily ineffective, especially in the case of traditional whole-herb churnas, which work somewhat differently from standardized extracts. If, however, a product markets itself based on a specific therapeutic effect with no mention of the concentration of the active compound, this should be questioned especially for an extract-based product for which it is the standard practice for quality assurance to standardize.
Check for Third Party Lab Testing.
By far the most sure-fire way for consumers to verify. Reputable Ayurvedic brands are increasingly making certificates of analysis (COAs) from independent and third party laboratories, which verify the actual measured concentration of key active compounds, with testing for contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides or microbial content.
When a brand cannot offer this type of documentation, and/or is hesitant to provide it when specifically requested, it's a strong red flag. Companies truly sure about their formulation quality, like Varah Healthcare, typically establish trust specifically about this type of testing transparency because it is the most objective way to verify what is in the product as opposed to what is just declared on the label.
Know what the source and processing method are for the items you are reviewing.
The concentration of the active compounds depends largely on the growing, harvesting and processing system of a herb. There are a few things to consider:
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The growing region and soil quality: The concentration of compounds can differ considerably depending on soil, climate and growing conditions, so it is important to know the country of origin.
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Optimal harvest time: Some herbs also have the best time to harvest to get the most active compound, and picking them either too early or too late can lead to a loss of potency.
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Processing method: Properly conducted traditional ayurvedic purification processes should aim to retain or improve the beneficial substances, while eliminating undesirable substances, but if not properly done, the processing may dramatically diminish the concentration of beneficial substances.
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Storage conditions: Even a genuinely high-quality herb can lose potency if stored improperly, exposed to excessive heat, moisture, or light over time.
Be wary of prices that are too low.
Cost is added to production by proper sourcing, testing and standardization. If one supplement is being offered at a significantly lower price than its reputable counterparts, it is likely that they are doing something to cut costs in the manufacturing process, which could be using lower-quality active herb, not testing properly or simply using fillers. But if the price is abnormally low, and the source information is rather generic, there should be genuine questions.
Verify if there are recognized certifications.
Certifications may not guarantee active compound potency, but they do provide an indication of a minimum level of quality control and manufacturing standards. For Ayurvedic products made in India, check for GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification, ISO quality management systems and, if applicable, AYUSH compliance marking adherence to specific formulation and quality standards set by India's Ministry of AYUSH.
Examine the sensory properties of the Product.
Though not a foolproof indicator, many powerful herbal powders and extracts can have a unique scent and taste that a seasoned user will come to recognize over time, e.g., real ashwagandha root powder may have a sharp and slightly bitter smell, or a shilajit resin will have a distinct earthy odour and taste, if correctly purified. If the product has a very mild smell, an excessive amount of sweetness, or no herb smell at all, then it may be an indication of low potency, excessive dilution, or low quality raw material, but should not be used as sole verification of quality.
Direct Questions to the Manufacturer.
Feel free to contact a brand directly and pose specific inquiries: What is the standardised percentage of the active compound? Do you have a certificate of analysis? Where does the raw material that is used come from? How does the material/curriculum change after processing? A good manufacturer with transparency and quality should be able to answer these questions and should be able to show supporting documentation, while vague or dismissive answers may be a red flag.
Conclusion
The challenge of verifying if an Ayurvedic supplement is actually effective with meaningful active ingredients is not as easy as just believing the label, however necessary if you're truly dedicated to achieving actual results with your herbal care regimen. Looking for standardization information, asking for third-party testing, knowing what to expect from the sourcing or processing and not being naive about the price all help in making an informed decision. One of the best methods to ensure that you are paying for the right compounds is to choose a well-known brand with a transparent process for developing their formulations, such as Varah Healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If the price is higher, is there more in the product?
A: No, but it can be a factor based on what it costs to do it correctly and have the correct testing. Don't use price as a sole indicator of quality, use it in conjunction with laboratory testing and standardization data.
Q: Is whole-herb powder less effective than standardized extracts?
A: No, they're not necessarily less effective, but they're different in the way that they work. Standardized extracts contain concentrated active compounds of the plant, whereas, traditional whole-herb churnas consist of all the natural compounds of the plant. When a good source is used and processed properly, both of these can be effective.
Q: Where can I get a certificate of analysis from a brand?
A: Most quality focused brands like Varah will either list this information on their website or the packaging of their product or can share directly in the customer's service from their website on request.
Q: Will such certifications as GMP or AYUSH ensure quality?
A: They do not specifically guarantee active compound concentration, they are a sign of a good level of quality control in manufacturing. When certification checks are used in conjunction with lab testing and standardization information, it provides a much more complete picture.
