Things to Check Before Buying Herbal Supplements

The Herbal Supplement Aisle Has Never Been Bigger or More Confusing.

Today, if you enter any health store, visit any wellness website or scroll any e-commerce website you'd find, you will see an overwhelming number of herbal supplements. Words such as Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Shatavari, Moringa, Triphala, Giloy and Neem might not be unfamiliar, these Ayurvedic herbs have long been kept in the traditional vaidya dispensaries but now occupy the center of a global wellness economy that is worth billions of dollars.

This is mostly good news. Natural, plant based supplements are becoming increasingly popular over synthetically based supplements. There is an increase in the number of farmers who are cultivating medicinal herbs. Anthological medicines are the subject of more research. More and more people are integrating the Ayurvedic wisdom into their daily lives and finding it to be good for their health and wellbeing.

The size and rate of this growth has also led to a major issue: the quality of the supplements available in the market today is very variable. For each truly good quality product made from real herbs, strict sourcing protocols and classical Ayurvedic wisdom, there are others that have been under-dosed, adulterated, mislabeled and even containing additives that negate the natural health benefits that they claim.

The difference between a herbal supplement which transforms your health and one which does not or even harms you relies on a few key factors which any informed customer can evaluate prior to buying. This article explains clearly what to look for before purchasing herbal supplements, based on Ayurvedic understanding, regulatory understanding and consumer knowledge.

1. Ensure the product has the appropriate Regulatory License and Legal Status.

The most crucial precaution when purchasing any herbal supplement in India is to verify that it has proper regulatory authorization. This is not an optional, it is the standard and a requirement that differentiates legitimate products from those that are not supervised.

For Ayurvedic medicines (formulations for health conditions mentioned in classical Ayurvedic books): The manufacturer should be in possession of a drug manufacturing license under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and its amendments under the AYUSH. This license shall be on the product label.

Ayurvedic food supplements (General Wellness products which are not used for treating specific diseases): An FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) registration or license is required for. The FSSAI number on the label is the assurance that the product has been registered with India food safety authority.

For imported herbal supplements: Imported products should comply with the provisions of the Indian import laws and should include details of the license issued by the importer and country of origin.

If purchasing online, check the product description, images on label or brand's website for these license numbers. If a product has no license information at all – that is a red flag and an immediate disqualification. Don't buy herbal supplements from a vendor who doesn't have the essential regulatory records.

2. Check for the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) Certification

Drug or FSSAI license is a certificate confirming that a manufacturer is registered and allowed to produce. GMP certification extends beyond, it provides assurance of their production methods. The entire factory environment is regulated by Good Manufacturing Practice, including the factory hygiene, equipment calibration, batch documentation, quality control testing, staff training and storage conditions.

The importance of GMP to herbal supplements in particular:

Herbal raw materials are naturally variable. The effectiveness of a batch of Ashwagandha roots is determined by the soil the roots were planted in, the season when they were harvested, the way the roots were dried, stored and processed for use. A GMP certified facility has recorded how to test every batch of raw material that is brought into the facility, how to control the manufacturing parameters, and how to only release the finished product after quality verification.

If there were no GMP standards, a manufacturer would have no systematic way of assuring the herbal product in the bottle is actually the same as the label says, either in terms of what herbs are included or what potency they have.

What to look for:

• WHO-GMP certification (particularly important for brands that export internationally)

• GMP certification by the State/Central drug authority of the Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers.

• A food safety management certification is needed for food supplement manufacturers, such as ISO 22000 or other basic food safety management standards.

Quality brands make it easy to find their GMP status on their website, packaging, and product listings. If this information isn't available or not disclosed, actively seek it out before buying.

3. Check the Complete Ingredient List, Not Just the Front Label

The front of any herbal supplement's packaging is marketing. The ingredient list is a piece of information. When purchasing any herbal supplement, you should always check the full ingredient list, which even includes what the industry dubs "other ingredients" or "excipients.

The following aspects should be considered when assessing the active ingredients:

• Are the names of all herbs correctly given in their botanical (Latin) names? The use of specific botanical names, like Withania somnifera for Ashwagandha, Bacopa monnieri for Brahmi and Phyllanthus emblica for Amalaki, indicates that the manufacturer is well-versed in the materials.

• Is the part of the plant mentioned? Ashwagandha root has different properties than Ashwagandha leaf. The classical medicinal part is the root of Shatavari. A quality product will contain a specification for the used part of the plant.

• Is it a whole herb powder or a standardised extract? Standardised extracts ensure a minimum content of the main active ingredients. Whole herb powders contain all the natural compounds. Both sound good but you need to know which, and why.

In the excipients, check the following:

Excipients are the inactive ingredients which make up the tablet, capsule or powder of the supplement. They should be as natural and as few as possible. Red flags include:

• Artificial colours (E numbers/synthetic dye names)

• Synthetic preservatives (sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, BHA, BHT)

• Too many inert ingredients that reduce the effectiveness of the herbicide active ingredients

• Unspecified 'natural flavours' which are sometimes composed of synthetic ingredients

Excipients suitable to Ayurvedic tradition, such as ghee, sesame oil, honey, jaggery, rice flour and/or minimal, clearly labelled, natural binders and capsule materials are used in high quality Ayurvedic products.

4. Be able to understand the meanings of Dosage, Concentration and What is “Standardised”?

One of the most frequent reasons for confusion and disappointment with herbal supplements is the difference between the amount of concentration of active compounds and what is stated on the label.

Dose is not equal to concentration:

If a capsule contains 500mg of Ashwagandha root powder, but the root powder is not concentrated, then the amount of withanolides (the main active ingredients) that is actually provided with each capsule might be minimal. This is compared to a standardised formulation of Ashwagandha root extract that contains 5% withanolide and is guaranteed to be clinically effective despite the lower mg content.

What standardisation means:

The standardised herbal extracts are prepared by extraction of the herb and testing to ensure that a particular percentage of important active ingredients is present. If a label claims to be "standardised to 5% withanolides", it is verifying that each batch has at least this amount of withanolides present.

Clinically studied standardisation levels of common Ayurvedic herbs are:

• Ashwagandha: 2.5% - 5% withanolides (most effective and studied branded extracts: KSM-66 and Sensoril)

• Brahmi: 20 to 55% bacosides

• Turmeric: 95% curcuminoids

• Boswellia: 65-70% boswellic acids

If there aren't any standardisation or active compound percentage, you are not able to ascertain the therapeutic power of a product, merely guess.

5. Calculate heavy metal safety and contamination.

One of the most critical quality issues in herbal supplement manufacturing and one every Ayurveda user should know is this. Heavy metal contamination of herbal products can occur through the use of contaminated soil, water used in cultivation, processing equipment, or in traditional preparations such as bhasmas, during classical purification processes which may not be carried out to safe levels.

Classical Ayurveda vs. modern safety standards:

The mineral and metal preparations (bhasma and rasa shastra preparations) are classical ayurvedic formulations, which if properly prepared by the qualified practitioner using the traditional method are found to be therapeutic and safe in classical terms. Their safety in the modern analytical chemistry context and in the context of low-dose chronic exposure is an ongoing research and regulatory topic, however.

The contamination with heavy elements is an unwanted but common contaminant in general herbal preparations (excluding classical herbal bhasma); it is tested for by a quality manufacturer.

What to look for:

• Products that contain the term “heavy metal tested” or have batch-specific Certificate of Analysis information

• Third party laboratory reports show that there is no lead, no mercury, no arsenic, no cadmium (in the region of safe values).

• Brands that get herbs from certified clean soil farms or regularly test incoming raw materials for heavy metals

Heavy metal testing is particularly important for imported herbal supplements, especially those from markets that do not have as strict an agriculture oversight. Avoid buying any domestic or foreign herbal supplement, which is not from a brand that can verify their heavy metal testing.

6. Analyze the Source and Quality of Raw Herbs

The effectiveness of a herbal supplement can only be as good as the herb itself. Sounds obvious, but most consumers price and convenience mindedly miss it.

Some questions to ask about sourcing:

• In what country are the herbs cultivated? Many Ayurvedic herbs have traditional growing areas, where climate, soil and elevation combine to make the best herbs, such as Ashwagandha from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, Brahmi from wetlands in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, Saffron from Kashmir, Cardamom from Kerala. It is important to note that the active compound levels are reduced in herbs that have been cultivated in soils that are not native to their species or in soils which are degraded.

• Are they organically grown? Organic herbs are certified to limit exposure to pesticides. Oregon Tilapia and other similar international certifications and the India Organic (NPOP) certification verify organic growing standards.

• What are the different ways of picking herbs? Proper timing of harvesting in the proper growth stage can make a significant difference in potency. In traditional ayurvedic writings, the most ideal harvest time for every medicinal herb is mentioned, and quality manufacturers abide by these traditional guidelines.

• What are their storage and transport methods? Herb quality is quickly diminished by improper storage which includes exposure to moisture, heat, light or oxygen. In GMP certified facilities, storage is closely monitored and ensures the potency of the raw materials from the time of reception to the finished product.

Quality brands take pride in their sourcing and make it easily known. Lack of information is informative if it is not even specified.

7. Look for the manufacturing date, expiration date and storage instructions.

This may sound simple, but it often gets overlooked when shopping online, and it has a huge impact on the effectiveness of the herbal supplements you buy.

Why freshness is important when it comes to herbal supplements:

Many herbal active ingredients, especially volatile oils, sensitive antioxidants and enzymatic constituents, lose their potency over time, especially if stored improperly, while synthetic pharmaceutical compounds can remain potent for years. An Ashwagandha supplement that has been sitting in a warehouse for two years and has experienced temperature changes will not have the same strength as a newly made batch of Ashwagandha.

What to check:

• Manufacturing date and expiry date: Check that products have at least a 12- to 18-month period of validity. When ordering online, look at the stock dates of the seller, if available.

• Cool, Dry, Dark: Products that need cool, dry, dark storage should be packaged in an appropriate way for shipment to the storage conditions indicated on the label. Some formulations and probiotics need to be refrigerated.

• Packaging integrity: If there are broken seals, damaged packaging or evidence of tampering, it is disqualified. Quality products spend money on tamper evident protective packaging.

• Clear batch number: Batch number present on the product indicates traceability, the manufacturer can trace that particular batch from the start of production.

8. Assess Marketing Claims within Regulatory Limits

Ingredient lists tell you as much about the brand's integrity as does how the brand markets its herbal supplements. Knowing the limits of approved health claims information enables you to spot false and irresponsible health claims as well as those that may be illegal.

Herbal products that can be legally marketed in India:

Food supplements may make structure-function claims under FSSAI regulations, which state that a nutrient or herb in a food supplement can claim to support a particular physiological function. For instance: "Ashwagandha helps the body's natural stress response" or "Triphala aids healthy digestion.

What they cannot boast:

Herbal food supplements cannot claim to treat, cure, prevent or diagnose a particular disease. If a product states it "cures diabetes," "reverses heart disease," or "eliminates cancer," it claims to be a drug and is violating the law both because it doesn't know and because the company wants to fool its customers. Both are not encouraging on the level of their manufacturing standards.

Watch for:

• Clinically proven" language that doesn't mention any clinical studies.

• Give examples of before and after claims that make guarantees.

• Testimonials that say that serious medical conditions have been resolved.

• No side effects" blanket claims - all biologically active compounds have certain potential for interaction or side effects in specific contexts

In Ayurveda, no exaggeration is needed to communicate the true power. Brands that comprehend and honor traditions and the law communicate effectively within proper limits.

9. Research the credibility, history and the involvement of the researcher.

The credibility of herbals in the supplement industry is built over time as they consistently deliver quality products, transparency, and expertise. It cannot be created just by advertising or packaging design.

Signs of a real brand credibility:

• Experience in business: Companies that have been around for several years and product generations have proven their dedication to quality. While new brands don't necessarily mean poor quality, new brands have an evidence base.

• Expert formulation team: Do qualified Ayurvedic doctors (Vaidyas), pharmacognosists or herbal medicine researchers participate in the process of product development? The classical ayurvedic formulas involve technical expertise that may not be available in general manufacturing of supplements.

• Evidence and published research: Premium brands are more and more backing their formulations with research, sometimes published studies about the product itself or often by citing evidence about the standardised ingredient used.

• About us content: Is the content clear and transparent about the brand, where they make it and what their quality philosophy is? The anonymity of the supplement space is always linked with poor quality.

• Easy customer support: Are your product questions answered by a well-informed human being at this company? Quality brands invest in customer service because they stand behind the quality of their products.

• Awards and industry recognition: Third-party certifications, industry awards, and industry recognition are all evidence of brand standards.
  

10. Speak to a Qualified Practitioner before beginning any new supplements protocol.

Last but not least you need to look at whether the supplement is right for you, for your constitution, your health at the moment, if you are taking any medication and your goals for wellness.

As per Ayurveda this is a system of medicine, which is individualised. What is a useful remedy in one constitution can be a harmful one in another. Ashwagandha is warming and stimulating, which is good for Vata types who suffer lack of energy and stress, but may aggravate Pitta types with inflammatory conditions. Shatavari is cooling and nourishing, good for Pitta and Vata and may be aggravating in excess for Kapha.

Consider practitioner consultation in situations where:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Prescribed medications (especially blood thinners, thyroid, antidepressant or immunosuppressive medications)

• You are a person with a long-term medical condition.You are a person who has a chronic health condition that has been diagnosed.

• You're thinking about giving your child herbal remedies

• You wish to use more than one herbal supplement

• You don't know what herb or formulation to use for your particular concern

An experienced Ayurvedic Vaidya (medic) or an integrative medicine practitioner, who has a knowledge of herbal medicine would be able to give you personalized advice and you can make your money invested in these supplements truly useful and totally safe. This has been made possible by many today, which provide teleconsultation.

Conclusion: Check First, Buy With Confidence

The herbal health supplement market presents incredible chances for natural health, provided you're the informed individual. By selecting the right herbs and using them wisely, you can reap many benefits from a herbal supplement that may be the key to a healthy Ayurvedic life. The bad ones are just a waste of money or even a health hazard.

The ten checks covered in this guide: Regulatory licensing, GMP certification, Complete ingredient evaluation, Dosage and standardisation, Heavy metal testing, Sourcing quality, Freshness, Marketing integrity, Brand credibility, Practitioner guidance provide you with a full toolkit to navigate the supplement marketplace with confidence.

Herbs are used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine to treat and cure diseases in humans. With knowledge and discernment, as this tradition has always valued, they continue to be one of the most potent and naturopathic allies at the human disposal in modern times for vibrant health.

At Varah Healthcare, all of our products are screened against these same criteria, we feel that this is where authentic Ayurvedic wellness starts, from source to shelf, there is no compromise in the quality of our products.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q: Which is the most crucial ingredient to look for before purchasing a herbal supplement?

A: This is the basic check, ensure that the product has a valid drug licence number (in case of Ayurvedic medicines) or FSSAI registration number (food supplements). Otherwise, there is no assurance the product has been produced under any quality or safety control. Besides licensing, the most important quality indicator is 3rd party testing for herb identity, strength and heavy metal.

Q: How can I find out if a herbal supplement is going to interact with my medicines?

A: This is a question that needs to be answered by a qualified healthcare practitioner, either an Ayurvedic Vaidya who is knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions, or an integrative medicine practitioner. Some common interaction locations are blood-thinning drugs (Ginkgo, Garlic, Turmeric in high doses), thyroid drugs (Ashwagandha may impact thyroid functioning), and antidepressants (some herbs impact serotonin pathways). Don't assume that "natural" is always safe to use in combination with pharmaceutical drugs.

Q: Are rich and costly herbal supplements better than cheap and affordable herbs supplements?

A: Rather, not necessarily but price is a good indicator of quality if you understand it properly. Quality herbal supplements must be invested in, from using organic or ethically sourced herbs, to GMP certified manufacturing, third party testing, and expert formulation, it all comes with a price tag. The really cheap ones on any marketplace are unlikely to be able to support all of these quality elements. However, good quality is not necessarily offered at a premium price. Use this complete checklist, no matter how much the product costs.

Q: Is it possible to use several different herbal products simultaneously?

A: Some Ayurvedic herbs work well when used in combination, and are traditionally used together (Triphala, Ashwagandha and Shatavari, for example). Multiple supplements given together, however, can result in too high a dose of some of the compounds, unexpected interactions, or conflicting doshic effects. Always, it is best to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before taking two or more supplements at the same time.

Q: What is the difference between "whole herb" and "extract" and which is better?

A: A whole herb preparation is a powder made from the whole herb (root, bark or leaf). They maintain all the naturally occurring compounds in their natural ratios. Extracts are concentrated with the specific active compounds in order to ensure the desired potency. There is no one right or wrong answer to this. In classical ayurvedic practice the whole herbs are preferred and valued for their synergistic and comprehensive activity. Standardised extracts are recommended if a therapeutic effect is sought which will ensure the consistent strength of a certain compound. A health expert can lead you in deciding which one is best suited for you and your health objectives.