Pure plant compounds

Pure plant compounds: isolated compounds from plants, algae and fermentation

A plant contains hundreds of different compounds. Pure plant compounds involve extracting a single characteristic compound from the plant and purifying it to a high percentage. This means a capsule contains a fixed amount of that single compound, making it easier to compare products than with ground herbs.

In our range you will find polyphenols such as quercetin and resveratrol, carotenoids such as lycopene, astaxanthin and lutein, alkaloids such as berberine and enzymes such as bromelain and nattokinase.

Which plant compounds are in this collection?

The collection contains berberine HCl, quercetin, rutin, resveratrol, curcumin, sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts, lycopene, astaxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin, beta-sitosterol and vinpocetine. You will also find the enzymes bromelain and nattokinase, D-mannose and nitrate from plant sources. Some products combine a plant compound with vitamins or minerals, such as quercetin with zinc and selenium.

Which plants do they come from?

Berberine is obtained from species such as Berberis. Quercetin and rutin often come from the Japanese honeysuckle (Sophora japonica). Resveratrol is usually obtained from Japanese knotweed. Lycopene comes from tomatoes, sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts, curcumin from turmeric and lutein from marigolds. Astaxanthin is a red pigment from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. Bromelain is an enzyme from the pineapple stem and nattokinase comes from natto, fermented soybeans.

Purity and content on the label

With pure plant compounds, the purity is stated on the label, for example 97% berberine HCl, 98% trans-resveratrol or 95% curcuminoids. Enzymes are expressed in activity units: bromelain in F.I.P. or GDU and nattokinase in FU. Compare products based on the amount of pure compound or activity per daily dose, not just on the number of milligrams per capsule.

Sulforaphane and broccoli extract

Broccoli sprouts contain glucoraphanin. Sulforaphane is only formed when glucoraphanin comes into contact with the enzyme myrosinase, for example when chewing. Supplements may contain stabilized sulforaphane, or glucoraphanin with myrosinase. The label shows which form is used and how much sulforaphane or glucoraphanin is provided per daily dose.

Fat-soluble compounds and absorption

Carotenoids such as lycopene, astaxanthin and lutein are fat-soluble. They are therefore often offered in softgels with oil and are preferably taken with a meal containing some fat. Curcumin and resveratrol dissolve poorly in water; therefore, forms such as liquid curcumin (NovaSOL) and combinations with piperine exist. With patented raw materials such as Lycomato, AstaGuard or NovaSOL, the composition is fixed.

Capsules or softgels

Water-soluble and powdered compounds such as berberine, quercetin and bromelain are usually in capsules. Fat-soluble compounds such as lycopene, astaxanthin and lutein are usually in softgels. Pay attention to the material of the shell with softgels if you eat vegetarian or vegan, because many softgels contain gelatin.

Use and safety

Stick to the recommended daily dose on the packaging. A dietary supplement is not a substitute for a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Concentrated plant compounds are not intended for pregnant women, breastfeeding women or children, unless otherwise stated. If you use medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice first, because some plant compounds can affect the action of medications.