Osmora Scientific Glossary
Potency
A measure of the activity of a substance, typically the amount required to produce a defined effect as measured in a specified biological or functional assay. Potency is distinct from chromatographic purity and from assay or content, which measure composition or quantity rather than activity.
In plain language
A measure of activity in a defined test — how much is needed to produce a specified effect — as opposed to how pure or how much is present.
Why it matters in research
Potency is not the same as purity, identity, or content; a purity figure says nothing about activity, and vice versa.
Where you'll encounter it
Discussions distinguishing composition measures from activity measures.
Related terms
Related Academy lessons
Source
- High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Chemistry LibreTexts (Analytical Chemistry). Retrieved 2026.