How do modern encapsulated extracts of Dendrobium preparations differ significantly from traditional Shi Hu decoctions?

They concentrate active compounds in ways historically uncommon

Historically, Dendrobium, especially the Shi Hu preparation, was utilized through methods like decoctions, which involve simmering the herb in water. This traditional preparation method results in a specific level of compound extraction and natural dilution. Modern supplement manufacturing often employs advanced extraction techniques to isolate and concentrate active chemical constituents into capsules or standardized extracts. This concentration factor is significantly higher and chemically different from what was achieved traditionally. This modern concentration technique is crucial because it can lead to exposure levels or compound ratios that were not present during historical use, potentially bypassing the natural buffering effects inherent in older preparation methods and increasing the likelihood of adverse reactions linked to high potency.