With herbal supplements, what is the difference between root powder and root extract? Does it matter?

Answer:

When selecting an herbal supplement, you should be guided by clinical studies showing a benefit using a particular type of plant preparation. Things you need to be clear about are 1) the name of the plant and its species, 2) the part of the plant, e.g., the root, leaf, flower or bark, and 3) whether the product was made of the whole plant part (such as root powder, which is dried root made into a powder), or just key compounds extracted from that part of the plant (i.e., a root "extract") which are typically provided as a dried powder or liquid.

In most cases, you will be looking for an extract, in which case you will also need to know the concentration or percentage (%) of specific compound(s) to which the extract should be "standardized" since there are many types and concentrations of extracts. Supplements made of whole plant plants, like root powder, are typically not standardized like extracts.

The "ConsumerTips" section of every Product Review on ConsumerLab.com, including those below, provides this information, as well as other information about dosage, how and when to take the supplement, potential side effects, and interactions with drugs and other supplements. Of course, you'll also see whether ConsumerLab.com testing found products from popular brands of supplements to contain the listed ingredient(s) and meet additional criteria of product quality.

Here's a quick summary of popular herbal supplements, showing the type of preparation typically used:
 

Whether you prefer an herbal extract in liquid or powder form may depend on factors such as ease of swallowing and ability to adjust the dose (see our article about the pros and cons of liquid vs. other types of supplements).

If you are interested in fungi-based supplements, such as reishi or lions' mane, be aware that these can be made from the fruiting body (the part the grows above ground, also known as the "mushroom") and/or the mycelium (the "root-like" portion that grows below ground). Either part may be sold as dried, ground powders or extracts.