MethuselahMouse, funny you mentioned Vitamin Shoppe, I passed by one on my way home from work the day that I posted this topic (after striking out at GNC) and found Bacopa+Ginko there, this was before I even read your post. Picked some up. Bacopa is the last nootropic that I am still experimenting with, and I mostly take Bacopa for brain protective effects, I am not seeking cognitive enhancement (but will take it if it comes as an added bonus :-)). As for the third party purity checks that nootropikamil suggested, I agree, he was the first person who made me realize how important third-party purity analysis is. However, in the case of Bacopa, I don't see how it can be contaminated with heavy metals or other harmful substances since it is an herb. I am more worried about the quality of the meat that I am consuming.
Uh...you don't need a third party analysis always, dude. That's only REALLY important when you import and/or buy from questionable sources. If you buy from companies that use DRUG GMPs, have World Health Organization (WHO) certification on their operations, third party testing is really not essential. That's why I recommend companies that use Sabinsa's Bacopin in their products.
From
Ensuring Quality Crucial to Industry Viability (Natural Product Insider, 07/01/2002):
What types of QC certifications do you hold?
Norton: Sabinsa is the sales and marketing arm for our manufacturing operation SAMI Labs Inc., which is located outside the United States. SAMI Labs recently obtained World Health Organization (WHO) certification for its manufacturing operations.
Uh...Ayurvedic herbs have MUCH higher incidence rates of the MOST harmful contaminants...than ANY other subset of dietary supplement...
JAMA: Heavy Metal Content of Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine ProductsSo you want to EXTRA careful with Indian herbs...
I like the extra satisfaction from seeing products at CL.com
http://www.consumerl...cl.asp#testprogManufacturers and distributors interested in the potential of having their products certified by CL, listed among the Approved Quality Products in CL's Product Reviews and bear the CL Seal may participate in the Voluntary Certification Program. Testing is conducted in the same manner as Product Reviews with test samples not accepted directly from the manufacturer.
There is a testing fee paid by the manufacturer and results are proprietary to the manufacturer. However, if a product "Passes," it will appear in CL's Web site listing of the respective Product Review and is also eligible to carry the CL Seal of Approval upon acceptance by the manufacturer of the CL Seal Use License Agreement (described below).
Due to economies of scale, testing fees are lower for products that fall within a category about to undergo a Product Review. Manufacturers and distributors should contact lisa.sabin@consumerlab.com if they wish to be alerted to upcoming Product Review categories.
Edited by nootropikamil, 10 September 2006 - 09:17 AM.