The creation of uniform production and testing standards for dietary supplements is an ongoing process. Several trade organizations have created guidelines, but no national organization or authority currently oversees a general standard. Numerous economic and technical issues must be resolved before a general standard can be set. Supplements, unlike pharmaceuticals, are largely natural in origin and thus are not as subject to patent protection. Without economic incentives, clinical testing is often left to academic research, rather than well funded corporate trials associated with drugs.
Standardization is important for certain herbs.
Many herbalists believe that using the whole plant will provide more benefit than an isolated component. Or is it just a supplement to maintain existing tissue. There have been numerous studies on SAM-e. It would likely function to promote healing in damaged tissue and would be beneficial in maintaining existing tissue. Many people have claimed relief from existing joint problems.