PURE PLANT POWER
GROUNDED IN TRADITION
STEP 1
Sourcing raw materials
Our manufacturing process begins with the selection of the highest quality raw material. The majority of our plant material is sourced from native plants that are grown sustainably in their natural habitat. Whenever possible, we source organic and wildcrafted herbs.
For over 30 years, we’ve built trusting relationships with a select number of approved suppliers. We’ve worked with them to find the best herb growers, from both Australia and overseas to ensure we are buying the highest quality raw materials available.
STEP 2
Advance sample identification & quality testing
As part of our quality control process, we request advance samples to test the botanical identity and quality of the raw material. This is done before working with any new supplier or when assessing a new herb.
STEP 3
Delivery of bulk
Care is at the heart of what we do and it’s interwoven into our process. Our herbs are logged with a unique ID number and quarantined in a dedicated, temperature-monitored warehouse so we can trace every herb that has been delivered. Here, the herbs are inspected for integrity of packaging, general cleanliness, and accuracy of associated paperwork, particularly the Certificate of Analysis.
STEP 4
Botanical identification and quality testing
According to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), all raw materials are quality tested according to an endorsed National Compendia, such as the British Pharmacopoeia (BP), or scientifically validated methods developed in-house.
Rigorous analysis is performed in our laboratory, which is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical technology. This is to confirm botanical identity, verify any adulteration and to ensure we bottle only 100% pure plant power. These techniques require specialist knowledge and equipment, which we are proud to have, here at the Herbal Extract Company. Our validated procedure involves:
- Physical testing: Taking a step back in history, before the advent of science and chemistry, organoleptic (smell, taste, colour, texture) attributes of the herbs were an indicator of quality. Today, we still carry out these physical tests along with macroscopical and microscopical examinations.
- Chemical testing: High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) is a separation technique and our tool of choice for determining plant authenticity. For the presence and quantity of active markers, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), ultraviolet (UV) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) are used.
- Microbiological testing: We have a dedicated microbiology lab, and we also work with external laboratories, to test for heavy metals, pesticides and aflatoxins.
Once the herb passes all our quality testing, it’s approved for manufacture. Although rare, rejections can sometimes occur at this stage.
STEP 5
Unique extraction process - continuous flow cold percolation
The next stage of manufacturing involves the delicate extraction of the constituents within the raw material using pharmaceutical grade equipment. Our unique Continuous Flow Cold Percolation utilises cold percolation and maceration and involves soaking the herbs for a defined period. This can take, on average 10 days. The solvent is pharmaceutical grade sugar cane alcohol (ethanol) and purified water combined in predetermined precise ratios to extract the herbs’ broad medicinal profile.
The process of handmaking our practitioner quality herbal extracts is grounded in tradition. We believe that the medicinal activity of herbs is not due to one single chemical but the combined effect of the plant constituents. Our aim is to harness the pure power of nature and produce a balanced extract that mirrors the phytonutrient profile of the dry herb.
- To minimise the risk of degradation to the original matrix of the raw material we do not use heat, vacuum, concentration steps, additives, concentrated isolated actives, excipients or bulking agents in our manufacturing.
- We use dry herbs, instead of fresh herbs, to decrease the chance of any bacterial growth due to the presence of water.
"A wise man ought to realise that health is his most valuable possession." Hippocrates
STEP 6
Filtration
Our quality control team continually monitors the Continuous Flow Cold Percolation process. When complete, the batch is carefully filtered to preserve the plants delicate phytonutrient profile and to remove larger plant matter.
STEP 7
Quality and safety testing of final product
Our commitment to quality extends to our in-house analytical microbiology laboratory. Microbiological testing on the finished goods ensures patient safety from bacterial contamination. We have designed and implemented a comprehensive Quality Assurance (QA) system, incorporating GMP and a rigorous Quality Control (QC) process.
Every step is fully documented and routinely monitored through regular audits. We retain all batch records to enable the complete history of a batch to be retraced. Every batch of herb we manufacture is tested for microbial count to comply with TGO 100 microbial specification. Some of the tests include Total Aerobic Microbial Count (TAMC), Total Yeast and Mould Count (TYMC), Bile tolerant gram negative, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
STEP 8
Bottling and labelling
Having full control of the whole manufacturing process at our facility enables us to have dedicated bottling lines to minimise any contamination risk.
STEP 9
Final QC inspection
Our final quality control check is performed on the finished product which includes the review of all documentation and quality data. This includes a comparison of laboratory test results with laboratory reference standards. It also ensures batch to batch consistency.
STEP 10
Release for sale
Once the finished products are quality approved, we release the products for sale so you can give the highest quality liquid herbs to your clients
