I have been taking the extract for a couple of years. I just got tired of making the smoothies. Does it work? I'm pretty sure the smoothies worked for me, two years of them. I believe the extract may work, but not as effective as the fresh. I do take the extract even when the G D is in remission. I do believe that it helps limit the out breaks. I mix it in with juice, two droppers instead of one, once a day with no side effects. I will take it until I am convinced that the disease is in full remission, which may never happen. Good luck.