Plant extracts are seen as a source of hope in many areas – whether in naturopathy, cosmetics or functional nutrition. But while terms such as “pure”, “high-quality” or “natural” are omnipresent in product descriptions, it often remains unclear how exactly these qualities are actually checked. Behind an effective plant extract there is usually a multi-stage control process that extends from harvest to the finished certificate of analysis. Chemical, biological and analytical processes are used that follow strict scientific standards.
Starting point plant: selection, cultivation and initial criteria
The focus on quality begins before the harvest. What matters is which type of plant is used, how it was grown and under what conditions it grew. Wild collections are subject to different rules than controlled organic cultivation. In both cases, the botanical identity plays a central role – i.e. the question of whether it is really the declared species and whether it produces the relevant ingredients in sufficient quantities.
The first analyzes begin here. The origin can be verified using so-called pharmacognostic methods such as microscopy, thin layer chromatography or DNA barcoding. Errors or mix-ups at this early stage cannot be corrected later – which is why botanical authenticity is the first hurdle in any serious quality check.
Extraction as a critical intermediate step
After the harvest, extraction follows – a technical process that decides which components are transferred from the plant in concentrated form. Different solvents and processes are used: from gentle steam distillation to ethanol extraction to modern CO₂-based methods. The choice of technology depends not only on the active ingredient profile, but also on legal requirements and residue limits.
It is crucial that for each extraction it is clearly documented which batches were processed, what the yield was and whether the desired active ingredient concentration was achieved. Here too, interim analyzes are used to ensure reproducibility. Only if a product remains stable in several runs can it be used reliably later.
Chemical fingerprints and residue analysis
Against this background, it becomes clear that an openly documented tested quality of CBD VITAL or similar providers not only creates trust, but also shows how analytical procedures, batch controls and external testing centers can be linked together in a scientifically meaningful way.
The central tools for these tests are modern analysis methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC) or mass spectrometry. With their help, so-called chemical fingerprints can be created – complex patterns of ingredients that not only show the concentration of individual molecules, but also depict the overall composition.
Such profiles are used to detect deviations, uncover contamination or identify unexpected by-products. At the same time, residue levels are checked: pesticides, solvent residues, heavy metals. In Europe, limit values apply, which are usually derived from the pharmacopoeia or the Novel Food Regulation. If these limits are exceeded, a product may not be placed on the market.
Certificates, batch testing and external laboratories
A scientifically based extract not only has an analytically proven composition – it also carries a certificate that documents this status. This Certificate of Analysis is not a mere appendix, but an integral part of the product. It contains information on active ingredient content, purity, detection limits and test method – and is ideally prepared by an independent laboratory.
Individual providers supplement this information QR codes on the packaging or through digital access through which consumers and professionals can view the respective batch results. This makes quality control comprehensible – and, ideally, understandable. The challenge: Test methods not only have to be precise, but also standardized. Only then can values be compared and limit ranges sensibly adhered to.
Regulatory standards and open gray areas
In Europe, various sets of regulations intertwine: food law, pharmaceutical legislation, cosmetics regulations. Depending on how an herbal extract is marketed, different requirements apply. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and pharmacological testing standards are binding for substances used medically. Dietary supplements and cosmetic products, on the other hand, are subject to less strict requirements – even if the scientific responsibility remains the same.
It is precisely at this interface that gray areas often arise. Products that claim “traditional use” or “natural origin” may slip through the cracks if the analytical evidence is missing or incomplete. They are therefore hardly usable for medical research or scientifically based recommendations. It is all the more important that manufacturers voluntarily go beyond the legally required level – and document how the testing was carried out.
Why tested quality is more than just a sales argument
Herbal active ingredients are complex mixtures. Their effect can only be assessed if it is known exactly what is contained – in what quantity, in what purity, under what conditions. Scientific quality controls are therefore not just instruments of safety, but also tools of comparability. They make research possible, secure therapeutic applications and create an informed basis for consumer decisions.
January 30, 2026