GALENICALS

Galenicals are medicinal preparations composed of natural ingredients,

particularly those derived from plants, and are named after Galen, a Greek
physician who lived during the 2nd century AD. He was one of the most prominent
figures in ancient medicine and is credited with laying the foundation for the
extraction of active ingredients from medicinal plants.
Definition and Scope
Galenicals include a wide range of preparations made from herbs, roots, seeds,
barks, and other botanical sources. These preparations are typically extracted
using solvents like alcohol, water, or oil to concentrate the active compounds for
medicinal use. The products of these processes may include:
1. Tinctures – Alcohol-based extracts of plants.
2. Extracts – Concentrated forms of plant materials.
3. Infusions and Decoctions – Water-based extractions made by steeping or
boiling plant materials.
4. Powders – Dried and ground plant materials.
Principle: Crude plant drugs contains several constituents and some of
them are medicinally (therapeutically) active. The therapeutically active
constituents are called active principles. Other constituents of the plant
materials are considered inert or undesirable. The important plant
constituents are alkaloids, glycosides, sugars, starches, mucilages, proteins,
cellulose, gums, oils, resins, tannins, inorganic salts and many other
substances. The principle of extraction is the leaching (withdrawal) of the
desired constituents by use of solvent(s).
Selection of Solvent(s): The ideal solvent(s) for extraction should have the
property of selectively dissolving the active principles only. Such solvents are
not available. Thus the solvent(s) are selected based on their properties of
dissolving the active constituents to maximum extent and undesired
constituents to the minimum. The mixture of solvents is sometimes used.
The solvent (or solvent mixture) used in extraction is called menstruum.
In addition to the preferential capacity to dissolve active principles, the
solvents should have some other desirable properties: easy availability,
safety, retaining potency and easy subsequent processing. The most
commonly used solvent is alcohol – water mixture.
Water: Cheap, non-toxic and readily available water is not a selective
solvent and it dissolves almost all plant constituents: alkaloidal salts,
anthraquinone derivatives, colouring matters, glycosides, gums, proteins,
sugars, tannins etc. It has some other disadvantages too as menstruum:
 Many complex active principles are not soluble in water but more
soluble in alcohol.
 Aqueous extracts are susceptible for microbial growth. Addition of
alcohol is desirable as antimicrobial preservative. The chloroform
water (water saturated with chloroform) is also alternative
preservative menstruum.
 Enzyme degradation of active principles is possible in aqueous
extracts. 25% alcohol in the water-alcohol mixture can prevent the
enzymatic degradation.
 Some undesirable extracted constituents may get separated on
standing leaving unsightly residue.
 Removal of excess solvent (water) requires more energy than other
organic solvents.
Alcohol: Alcohol (Ethyl alcohol) is a solvent for alkaloids, alkaloidal salts,
anthraquinone derivatives, many organic acids and slats, some colouring
matter like chlorophyll, glycosides, resins, volatile oils. But it does not
dissolve albuminous matter, gums, waxes, fats and many oils and sucrose.
Though pure alcohol is not much used as solvent for drug extraction, hydro-
alcoholic mixtures at various proportions are most frequently used
menstruum due to preferential dissolving capacity and other advantages.
The advantages of alcohol as solvent for drug extraction:
 Preferential dissolving capacity compared to water. With adjustment of
alcoholic concentration the many substances which are dissolved in
water can be made insoluble in hydro-alcoholic mixture.
 Hydro-alcoholic mixture at 20% or more alcohol concentration is a
preservative menstruum. The microbes cannot grow in this solvent.
 The hydro-alcoholic mixtures require less energy for concentration
compared to water alone as solvent.
 The chance of separation of certain substances on standing as occur
with water as solvent is less.
However, alcohol as a solvent has some disadvantages: chances of abuse,
cost and excise control. The excise control provides some relief of providing
alcohol at a lesser cost for medicinal purpose.
Glycerine: This is a good solvent for tannins. It is used in combination with
water or alcohol to prevent the precipitation of inert materials on standing.
The presence of glycerine in sufficient concentration in the extract provides
preservative action and promotes stability of the extract.
The toxicity of the solvents is of no issue as they can be removed by
evaporation or during concentration. The product can even be tested for
presence of residual solvents.
Method of Extraction: Two main methods: Maceration and Percolation are
used in drug extraction. Sometimes, the combination of methods is used. In
the combination method, the crude drug is macerated first and then
percolation procedure is followed. The following factors need to be
considered for selecting the method of extraction: nature of crude drug
(physical properties of the drug materials), its adaptability to the method,
and the extent of extraction. Though in the laboratory scale the difference
between the two methods is appreciable, on the industrial scale there is no
significant difference between the two methods. Irrespective of the methods,
the following steps are common:
 Size reduction of crude drugs: Size reduction exposes the cells and
helps in penetration of menstruum. Moderately coarse powders are
used for extraction. This can be achieved either by crushing or cutting
the crude drugs. Fine powders are not used as the subsequent
clarification would be difficult.
  Penetration of menstruum to the plant tissues: The powdered crude
drugs are kept with the menstruum for sufficiently long time allowing
penetration of menstruum to plant tissues to dissolve the soluble
constituents.
 Diffusing out of the menstruum with dissolved constituents: The
diffusion can be assisted by shaking or stirring. The agitation permits
the repeated flow of fresh menstruum over the entire surface area of
powdered crude drugs. The agitation disperses the concentrated
solution which would otherwise accumulate round the particles of solid
materials.
 Separation of the menstruum and the exhausted crude drug. The
exhausted crude drug is called marc.
Historical Significance
Galen’s work helped establish a systematic method for preparing and prescribing
herbal medicines, and his teachings influenced European and Islamic medicine for
centuries. Even though modern pharmacology has evolved significantly with
synthetic drugs, galenicals continue to hold importance in herbal and
complementary medicine.
Modern Relevance
In contemporary times, galenicals are often used in homeopathy, naturopathy, and
traditional medicinal practices. They are also part of the growing field of herbal
medicine, which emphasizes the use of plant-based remedies for health promotion
and disease prevention. Galenicals serve as a natural alternative to synthetic
pharmaceuticals, providing a more holistic approach to healthcare.
Extraction is a key process in the preparation of galenicals, aimed at isolating
active compounds from plant materials. Several methods are used to extract these
medicinal ingredients, depending on the nature of the plant and the desired
product. The most common processes include:
1. Maceration: In this simple extraction method, plant materials are soaked in
a solvent (e.g., water, alcohol) for a set period, usually several days, to
dissolve the active components. The mixture is then strained, and the solvent
contains the extracted compounds.
2. Infusion: This involves steeping plant materials in hot water, similar to
making tea. It's used for soft plant parts like leaves and flowers. The hot
 water extracts soluble active compounds, often used immediately after
preparation.
3. Decoction: Harder plant materials like roots, bark, and seeds are boiled in
water for a longer time in decoction. This method extracts compounds that
are less soluble and require more heat and time to release.
4. Percolation: Plant material is packed into a vessel, and solvent is allowed to
trickle through it slowly. The process ensures continuous extraction, yielding
concentrated tinctures or extracts.
5. Distillation: Used mainly for volatile oils, distillation involves heating plant
materials to release essential oils, which are then condensed and collected.
6. Soxhlet Extraction: In this method, a solvent continuously cycles through
the plant material, extracting compounds over time in a specialized
apparatus, often used for producing highly concentrated extracts.
These methods ensure the effective extraction of medicinal compounds from plants
for various pharmaceutical uses.
In addition to modern extraction techniques, several traditional methods were used
in the preparation of galenicals and herbal medicines. These older methods, though
less efficient than contemporary processes, played a critical role in ancient and
early medicinal practices. Here are some of the traditional and older methods used
in extraction:
1. Expression: This ancient method involved pressing or squeezing fresh plant
materials, particularly fruits and leaves, to release their juices or oils. It was
commonly used to extract essential oils or juices from citrus fruits and
medicinal plants.
2. Digestion: A slow and gentle heating process, digestion was used to extract
compounds from plant materials by soaking them in a solvent at a moderate
temperature. This method allowed for a more complete extraction without
boiling the plant material, preserving heat-sensitive compounds.
3. Enfleurage: An older technique used primarily for extracting delicate plant
fragrances like those from flowers. Plant petals were laid on layers of fat,
which absorbed their essential oils. The fat was then treated with alcohol to
extract the oils.
4. Cold Fat Maceration: In this technique, plant materials were soaked in fat
at room temperature to extract non-polar compounds like essential oils. This
 process was similar to enfleurage but involved a simpler preparation without
heat.
5. Alcoholic Fermentation: In some cases, herbal materials were fermented
with water and natural yeasts, converting them into alcohol, which served as
a solvent to extract active compounds. This method was often used for
making early tinctures and medicinal wines.
6. Powdering: In early medicine, dried plant materials were ground into fine
powders, which could be mixed with liquids or applied directly. Though not an
extraction in the modern sense, this technique was used to maximize the
plant’s surface area for more effective use.
These older methods reflect the ingenuity of early herbalists and physicians,
including Galen, who sought to extract and utilize the healing properties of plants
long before the advent of modern pharmacological tools.
Infusion is a widely used method for extracting active compounds from plant
materials, particularly soft and delicate parts like leaves, flowers, and some seeds.
The process is akin to making tea, where plant material is steeped in hot water to
release soluble compounds. Infusions have been used for centuries in traditional
medicine, and they remain a cornerstone of herbal preparations in modern times.
1. The Infusion Process
Infusion is simple and straightforward. It typically involves the following steps:
1. Preparation of Plant Material: The plant parts are cleaned and dried if
necessary. Some herbs may be lightly crushed or chopped to increase the
surface area for better extraction.
2. Heating the Water: Water is boiled, and once it reaches the boiling point, it
is removed from heat. This step is critical as boiling the herbs directly could
destroy heat-sensitive compounds.
3. Steeping: The plant material is placed in a container, and the hot water is
poured over it. The herbs are allowed to steep for a specific period, typically
between 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the plant. Covering the container
during steeping helps retain volatile compounds like essential oils, which
might otherwise evaporate.
4. Straining: After steeping, the mixture is strained to remove the plant
matter, leaving behind the infused liquid, which contains the extracted active
ingredients.
 5. Usage: The resulting infusion is consumed immediately or stored for a short
period. Herbal infusions are commonly used as teas, tonics, or even in
medicinal baths and topical applications.
Types of Infusions
1. Simple Infusions: Made by steeping a single type of herb in hot water, often
used for everyday herbal teas, such as chamomile or peppermint.
2. Compound Infusions: These involve a blend of different herbs to achieve a
combined therapeutic effect, like herbal mixtures designed for digestive
health or relaxation.
3. Cold Infusion: In some cases, delicate herbs are infused in cold water for
longer periods (several hours or overnight). This method is ideal for
extracting certain heat-sensitive compounds that might be destroyed by
boiling water.
Applications in Medicine
Infusions are most commonly used in herbal medicine for their simplicity and
effectiveness in extracting water-soluble compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids,
tannins, and vitamins. They are employed to treat various conditions depending on
the herb used. For example:
 Chamomile infusions are used for their calming effects and as a digestive
aid.
 Peppermint is effective in relieving gastrointestinal discomfort.
 Elderflower infusions are used to combat colds and flu due to their anti-
inflammatory properties.
Advantages and Limitations
Advantages:
 Infusions are easy to prepare and require minimal equipment.
 They allow for quick extraction of medicinal compounds.
 The method preserves delicate compounds that might be destroyed by harsh
processing.
Limitations:
 Infusions are not suitable for extracting non-water-soluble compounds like
oils and resins.
 They have a short shelf life and need to be consumed fresh.
Infusions continue to be a popular, accessible, and effective method for preparing
herbal remedies and medicinal teas.
2. Decoction
Decoction is a traditional method used to extract active compounds from
tougher plant materials like roots, bark, seeds, and some woody stems.
Unlike infusions, which involve steeping in hot water, decoctions require
prolonged boiling to extract the water-soluble components. This process is
particularly useful for herbs and plant parts that do not easily release their
medicinal properties through simple steeping.
The Decoction Process
The decoction process involves several steps that are simple but require time and
care:
1. Preparation of Plant Material: The hard plant parts such as roots, bark,
seeds, or woody stems are usually dried and then chopped or crushed into
smaller pieces to increase the surface area for extraction. This ensures that
the water can access and extract the compounds effectively.
2. Boiling: The prepared plant materials are placed in a pot with cold water,
typically in a ratio of 1 part plant material to 10 parts water. The water is
then brought to a boil. Once boiling, the heat is reduced, and the mixture is
simmered gently for 20-60 minutes, depending on the toughness of the
material and the strength of the desired decoction.
3. Straining: After simmering, the decoction is removed from heat and allowed
to cool slightly. It is then strained through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to
remove the solid plant matter, leaving behind the concentrated liquid extract.
4. Usage: The decocted liquid is consumed immediately or stored in a cool
place for later use. It is often taken as a medicinal tea, tonic, or used in
topical applications.
Types of Decoctions
1. Single Decoctions: Made with one type of herb or plant material, these
decoctions target specific therapeutic effects. For example, a decoction of
ginger root may be used for digestive issues and to relieve nausea.
2. Compound Decoctions: Multiple herbs and plant materials are combined in
a single decoction to create synergistic effects. Traditional Chinese medicine
 often uses compound decoctions to balance different elements and target
various health conditions.
Applications in Medicine
Decoctions are particularly useful for extracting active compounds that are not
easily soluble or require high heat to release. Common applications include:
 Ginger Root: Used in decoctions to relieve nausea, improve digestion, and
reduce inflammation.
 Licorice Root: Often used in decoctions for its anti-inflammatory and
immune-boosting properties.
 Bark and Roots: Materials like dandelion root, slippery elm bark, and
burdock root are commonly decocted to create tonics for the liver, digestive
system, and skin health.
Advantages and Limitations
Advantages:
 Effective for extracting water-soluble and heat-stable compounds from tough
plant materials.
 Yields potent medicinal liquids with concentrated active ingredients.
 Ideal for long-term treatment of chronic conditions requiring stronger doses.
Limitations:
 Requires more time and effort than infusions.
 Can destroy delicate compounds such as volatile oils due to prolonged
heating.
 Has a relatively short shelf life and must be consumed within a few days if
refrigerated.
Maceration is an ancient and widely used extraction technique in herbal medicine,
where plant materials are soaked in a solvent (usually water, alcohol, or oil) at
room temperature for an extended period. This method allows the solvent to
gradually extract active compounds from the plant, making it an ideal technique for
extracting heat-sensitive constituents that might be destroyed by more aggressive
processes like boiling or distillation.
3. The Maceration Process
The maceration process involves the following steps:
1. Preparation of Plant Material: The plant materials, such as leaves,
flowers, roots, or seeds, are cleaned and dried if necessary. The materials are
 usually coarsely chopped or ground to increase the surface area for better
extraction.
2. Soaking in Solvent: The prepared plant material is placed in a container
with the chosen solvent (water, alcohol, oil, or a mixture). The solvent to
plant ratio varies but typically ranges from 1:5 to 1:10, depending on the
plant material and the concentration desired.
3. Resting Period: The container is sealed and left to sit for a set period, often
ranging from 1 day to several weeks. During this time, the solvent slowly
penetrates the plant material, dissolving the active ingredients. To ensure
even extraction, the mixture is usually shaken or stirred periodically.
4. Filtration: After the maceration period, the mixture is strained to remove
the plant solids, leaving behind the liquid extract, which contains the
dissolved active compounds. This liquid is often further filtered to ensure
clarity.
5. Storage and Usage: The macerated extract is stored in airtight containers
and used as needed, either directly or as part of a larger medicinal
preparation. Alcohol-based macerations (tinctures) have a long shelf life,
while water-based extracts should be used within a short period.
Types of Maceration
1. Cold Maceration: The plant material is soaked in a cold solvent, which is
ideal for preserving volatile oils and heat-sensitive compounds. This is
commonly used for making aromatic oils and certain herbal tinctures.
2. Hot Maceration: Involves warming the solvent slightly (but not boiling) to
accelerate the extraction process. This is often used for extracting
compounds from tougher plant materials like roots or resins.
3. Dry Maceration: Sometimes plant materials are macerated without a liquid
solvent, using fat or oil. This technique is common in making enfleurage,
where flowers are macerated in fats to capture their fragrances.
There are two types of crude drugs: organized drugs and unorganized drugs.
The organised drugs have definite cellular structure and the examples
include barks, roots etc while unorganised drugs are without definite cellular
structure and the examples include gums, resins, benzoin, tolu etc. The
maceration process varies accordingly.

Paramete Maceration Process Maceration Process for

r for Unorganised Drugs
Organised Drugs
Quantity of Drug and the whole of Drug is kept with 4/5th of
menstruu the menstruum are the menstruum.
m kept together.
Period of Shaking occasionally during 7 Shaking occasionally during 2 – 7
maceratio days days
n
Separati Straining of liquid and Decanting the liquid. Marc is not
on of pressing the marc pressed. [Marc, a gummy
liquid substance is not pressable]
Mixing The two liquids are mixed. Only decanted liquid is available.
of liquids
Clarificatio By subsidence or filtration By filtration only
n
Adjustme The filtrate is not adjusted to Sufficient menstruum is passed
nt of volume. [Pressing of marc through the filter to make the
volume may be different from required volume.
situation to situation. The
adjustment of volume may
lead to different
strength product which
depend on
the volume obtained
from pressing the marc]

Example Orange Tincture Compound Benzoin Tincture

of a
product
Orange Tincture (Tincture from Organized Drugs):

*Fresh Orange Peel in thin slices – 250 g

Alcohol (90%) - 1000 ml.

The thinly sliced orange peels are placed with the whole of the menstruum in a closed vessel for seven
days shaking occasionally. This is strained and the marc is pressed. Both the liquids are combined and
clarified by filtration.

It is used as flavouring agent in pharmaceutical preparations.

Compound Benzoin Tincture (Tincture from Unorganised Drugs):

Benzoin Crushed – 100 g

Prepared Storax – 70 g
Balsam of Tolu – 25 g
Aloes – 20 g

Alcohol (90%) sufficiently quantity to make 1000 ml

The benzoin, prepared storax, balsam of tolu and aloes are macerated with 800 ml of the menstruum in
a closed vessel for at least 2 days with occasional shaking. It is filtered and sufficient menstruum is added
through the filter to make the required volume.

Use:

 It is used to protect and make the skin tough in the treatment of bedsores, ulcers, cracked
nipples, fissures of lips and anal fissure.
 It is also used as inhalant (on dilution with boiling water) in bronchitis and other respiratory tract
infections.
Applications in Medicine
Maceration is widely used for preparing herbal remedies such as tinctures, oils, and
extracts. Examples include:
 Tinctures: Alcohol-based macerations of medicinal herbs like echinacea or
valerian root are used for treating colds, anxiety, or sleep disorders.
 Herbal Oils: Macerating calendula flowers in oil is common for producing
skin-soothing salves and lotions.
 Water Extracts: Herbs like lavender and chamomile are often macerated in
water for mild herbal teas and tonics with calming effects.
Advantages and Limitations
Advantages:
 Ideal for extracting heat-sensitive compounds that could be degraded by
boiling.
 Simple and requires minimal equipment.
 Produces a range of products, including tinctures, oils, and teas.
Limitations:
 Time-consuming, as the process can take days or weeks.
 May not extract certain compounds effectively, such as those that require
heat.
 Water-based macerations have a short shelf life unless preserved.
In summary, maceration is a gentle, versatile, and effective method for extracting
active plant compounds, particularly those sensitive to heat, making it a key
technique in both traditional and modern herbal medicine.
Maceration is a key extraction technique in herbal and pharmaceutical
preparations, where plant materials are soaked in a solvent to extract active
compounds. Depending on the specific requirements, maceration can be performed
in different ways. Here, we explore three primary methods: simple maceration,
maceration with adjustment, and multiple maceration.
1. Simple Maceration
Simple maceration is the most basic form of the process, where dried or fresh
plant materials are immersed in a solvent, typically water, alcohol, or oil, for a set
period at room temperature. The goal is to allow the solvent to penetrate the plant
material, dissolving the active constituents into the liquid over time.
Process:
 Step 1: The plant material is ground or crushed to increase the surface area
for more effective extraction.
 Step 2: The material is placed in a container with the solvent in a standard
proportion (e.g., 1:5 or 1:10 ratio of plant material to solvent).
 Step 3: The mixture is left undisturbed, sometimes for days or weeks,
depending on the plant and solvent used.
 Step 4: After the resting period, the mixture is filtered, and the liquid extract
is collected.
Advantages:
 Simple to perform and requires minimal equipment.
 Suitable for heat-sensitive compounds.
Limitations:
 It may take a long time, and the process may not be efficient for all plant
materials.
2. Maceration with Adjustment
Maceration with adjustment is an improved version of simple maceration,
typically used for pharmaceutical purposes, particularly when the concentration of
the final product needs to be more precise. This method involves adding more
solvent after the initial maceration process to adjust the concentration of the
extract to a desired or standard level.
Process:
 Step 1: The process begins with a standard maceration procedure as
described in simple maceration.
 Step 2: After filtering the liquid extract from the plant material, the volume
of the liquid is measured.
 Step 3: Additional solvent is added to the final liquid to reach a predefined
concentration or volume, ensuring uniformity in the preparation.
This method is particularly useful in pharmaceutical settings where precision is
crucial. It allows for consistent strength and concentration in medicinal
preparations, which is important for dosage accuracy.
Advantages:
 Ensures uniformity and standardization of the extract.
 Allows control over the concentration of the final product.
Limitations:
 Slightly more complex and requires more steps than simple maceration.
3. Multiple Maceration
Multiple maceration (also known as double or triple maceration) is an
advanced extraction technique designed to increase the efficiency of the extraction
process. In this method, fresh solvent is added after the initial maceration, and the
process is repeated multiple times to ensure that all soluble compounds are
extracted from the plant material.
Process:
 Step 1: The first maceration is performed using a standard procedure, and
after the initial filtration, the liquid extract is collected.
 Step 2: The same plant material is macerated again with fresh solvent to
extract additional compounds that may have been left behind.
 Step 3: This process can be repeated once or twice more, and the resulting
extracts from each maceration are combined to form the final product.
This method ensures more complete extraction of the active ingredients from the
plant, which can be especially useful when working with tougher plant materials or
when maximizing yield is important.
Advantages:
 Yields a more concentrated and thorough extraction.
 Useful for maximizing the medicinal potential of plant materials.
Limitations:
 More time-consuming and requires more solvent.
 Increased complexity in combining and measuring extracts.
4. Percolation is a widely used method for extracting active constituents from
plant materials. It involves passing a solvent through a column of powdered
plant material, allowing for continuous extraction as the solvent moves
downward. The solvent dissolves the active components and collects as the
percolate, which contains the desired extract. Various types of percolators
can be used for this process, each offering distinct advantages depending on
the material and extraction requirements. Here’s an overview of the
percolation method and different percolator designs.
Types of Percolators
1. Conical Percolator
 o The conical percolator is the most traditional and common type of
percolator used in the percolation process. As the name suggests, it
has a conical shape, with a wide top tapering down to a narrower
bottom.
o Advantages: The conical shape allows for easy collection of the
extract at the bottom, and the taper helps ensure that the solvent
uniformly passes through the plant material.
o Applications: Commonly used for herbal extractions and in
pharmaceutical settings where smaller-scale percolation is required.
2. Cylindrical Percolator
o A cylindrical percolator has a uniform diameter from top to bottom,
which provides more space for holding larger quantities of plant
material.
o Advantages: The cylindrical shape allows for a more controlled and
consistent percolation process over a larger area, making it ideal for
larger-scale extractions.
o Applications: Often used in industrial or larger-scale herbal and
pharmaceutical production where higher yields are needed.
3. Steam Jacketed Percolator
o A steam jacketed percolator is a specialized percolator with an outer
jacket through which steam circulates. This allows the percolator to be
heated externally, ensuring a constant temperature during the
percolation process.
o Advantages: The steam jacket enables hot percolation, which can be
useful for extracting heat-stable compounds that require a warm
solvent. This also helps speed up the extraction process.
o Applications: Commonly used for percolation involving compounds
that need to be extracted with heat or in continuous hot percolation
methods (Soxhlet extraction).
The Percolation Method
The percolation process typically follows these steps:
1. Preparation of the Plant Material: The plant material is dried and ground
into a fine powder to increase the surface area for extraction.
2. Moistening: The powder is moistened with a small amount of the solvent
(typically water or alcohol), known as maceration. This step helps ensure that
the solvent can penetrate the plant material evenly.
3. Packing into the Percolator: The moistened plant material is packed into
the percolator, leaving some space at the top. The material must be packed
uniformly to avoid channeling, where the solvent passes through certain
parts of the material more quickly than others.
4. Percolation: The solvent is poured over the plant material, and it gradually
percolates down through the column. As it moves through, the solvent
dissolves the active compounds, which are collected at the bottom as the
percolate. The process can take several hours to days, depending on the
material and solvent used.
5. Collection of Percolate: The percolate, which contains the extracted active
compounds, is collected in batches. This can then be further processed or
concentrated as required.
Continuous Hot Percolation (Soxhlet Extraction)
Continuous hot percolation, also known as Soxhlet extraction, is a more
efficient method of extraction for substances that are only slightly soluble in the
solvent. It uses the principle of continuous reflux and percolation to extract
compounds from plant material without wasting solvent.
1. Setup: A Soxhlet extractor, typically with a heating element, is used. The
plant material is placed in a thimble, and the solvent is heated in a boiling
flask.
2. Percolation and Reflux: As the solvent vaporizes, it rises up and condenses
in the condenser above the Soxhlet apparatus. The condensed solvent drips
onto the plant material in the thimble and extracts the compounds.
3. Continuous Cycle: Once the solvent passes through the plant material, it
drains back into the boiling flask, carrying the extracted compounds with it.
The solvent is then reheated, and the cycle continues. This continuous
cycling ensures that fresh solvent is always in contact with the plant material,
allowing for more thorough extraction over time.
4. Collection: Once the desired extraction is complete, the percolate is
collected, and the solvent is usually evaporated to concentrate the extract.

Liquorice Liquid Extract:

Liquorice, unpeeled, in coarse powder

Chloroform water and Alcohol (90%) as in sufficient quantity

Procedure: Liquorice is exhausted with chloroform water by percolation. The percolate is

boiled for 5 minutes and is kept aside for not less than 12 hours. The clear liquid is
decanted and the remainder is filtered. The two liquids are mixed and evaporated until
the weight per ml of the liquid at 20oC is 1.198. To this liquid, when cold, one-fourth of its
Applications
 Pharmaceutical Industry: Percolation is widely used to extract alkaloids,
glycosides, and other pharmacologically active compounds.
 Herbal Medicine: Used for the preparation of tinctures, herbal extracts, and
essential oils.
 Food Industry: Percolation and Soxhlet extraction are commonly used to
extract flavors, fragrances, and essential oils from herbs and spices.
Conclusion
Percolation, in its various forms, is a highly effective method for extracting plant
compounds. Whether using conical, cylindrical, or steam jacketed percolators, or
employing continuous hot percolation, the process offers flexibility and efficiency in
extracting both heat-sensitive and heat-stable compounds.
Maceration Vs Percolation – Selection of Methods:

For Preparation of Tinctures For Preparation of Concentrated

Products
1. Physical Characteristics of the Percolation method is preferred for
drug: For percolation the drugs concentrated products because:
must be of definite cellular  multiple maceration* (double or
structure (organised drugs) and triple ones) is expensive due to
they should be in powder form. increased labour cost;
Hence, the unorganized drugs  menstruum loss is high in
and the drugs which are multiple maceration;
difficult to powder are not  yield is less in maceration as
suitable for percolation. solvent cannot be completely
Examples: Compound Benzoin separated from marc.
Tincture is prepared by *Multiple maceration is followed
maceration (described in box). for concentrated preparations.
Tincture of orange is prepared
by maceration as fresh peels
cannot be powdered.
2. Processing Cost: Percolation
process requires more time and
skill than the simple
maceration. Relatively less
potent or unimportant drugs
can be processed by
maceration. Gentian or Quassia
(bitter principles as appetite
stimulant) is processed by
maceration.
3. Value of the product: The
product is yield is higher in
percolation compared to
maceration products. If the
product is expensive,
percolation is preferred. For
Ginger tincture, percolation is
followed while for
Quassia maceration is followed.
Digestion and steam distillation are two important extraction methods used in
herbal medicine, pharmacology, and essential oil production. Both techniques have
distinct approaches depending on the nature of the material being extracted and
the type of compounds desired.
Digestion
Digestion is a variation of maceration that uses gentle heat to speed up the
extraction of active compounds from plant materials. The process is especially
useful for extracting substances that are difficult to dissolve or take a long time to
extract at room temperature.
Process of Digestion:
1. Preparation of Plant Material: The plant material is dried, crushed, or
powdered to increase the surface area for better extraction.
2. Solvent Addition: The plant material is soaked in a suitable solvent (usually
water, alcohol, or oils) in a closed vessel.
3. Application of Gentle Heat: The mixture is gently heated (usually below
50°C) to aid in dissolving the active constituents more effectively than simple
maceration.
4. Resting Period: The mixture is kept at a low temperature for several hours
to a few days, depending on the plant material and solvent used. The heat
increases the solubility of the compounds and speeds up the process of
solvent penetration.
5. Filtration and Collection: After digestion, the liquid extract is filtered to
remove solid plant particles. The resulting liquid is rich in the extracted active
compounds.
Applications of Digestion:
 Pharmaceutical Preparations: Digestion is often used in the
pharmaceutical industry to extract alkaloids, glycosides, and other bioactive
compounds.
 Herbal Remedies: Traditional herbal medicine often employs digestion for
extracting plant-based active constituents in the preparation of tinctures or
herbal infusions.
 Cosmetics: The method is sometimes used for extracting compounds for
creams, ointments, and lotions.
Advantages of Digestion:
 Faster extraction: The application of gentle heat accelerates the extraction
process compared to cold maceration.
 Preserves heat-sensitive compounds: The low temperature prevents the
degradation of heat-sensitive compounds, making it more effective for
sensitive extractions than boiling or decoction.
Limitations:
 Some delicate compounds can still degrade if exposed to excessive heat or
prolonged digestion.

Steam Distillation
Steam distillation is a widely used extraction method, especially for extracting
essential oils and volatile compounds from plant materials. This method relies on
steam to separate volatile compounds from non-volatile plant materials. It is one of
the most effective ways to extract essential oils while preserving their integrity.
Process of Steam Distillation:
1. Loading the Plant Material: The plant material (flowers, leaves, or roots) is
placed in a still above a source of steam.
2. Generation of Steam: Steam is generated by boiling water in a separate
chamber and then passed through the plant material. The steam’s heat
breaks down the plant’s cellular structure, releasing the volatile oils and
other compounds.
3. Steam-Oil Mixture: As the steam passes through the plant material, it
captures the volatile compounds and carries them upward.
4. Condensation: The steam and volatile compounds pass through a
condenser, where they are cooled back into a liquid form.
5. Separation: The condensed liquid (a mixture of water and essential oil) is
collected. Since oil and water don’t mix, the essential oil separates from the
water and floats on the surface, where it is then skimmed off or siphoned.
Types of Steam Distillation:
1. Direct Steam Distillation: Steam is directly injected into the plant material.
2. Hydro-distillation: The plant material is immersed in boiling water, and the
steam rises through the plant material.
 3. Vacuum Steam Distillation: Lower pressures are used to distill volatile
compounds at lower temperatures, preserving delicate oils.
Applications of Steam Distillation:
 Essential Oil Production: Steam distillation is the most common method
for extracting essential oils from plants like lavender, eucalyptus,
peppermint, and rosemary.
 Aromatherapy: The method is widely used to produce oils for
aromatherapy, perfumes, and fragrances.
 Food and Beverage Industry: It is used to extract flavors and fragrances
from plants for use in food and beverages.
Advantages of Steam Distillation:
 Preserves Integrity of Essential Oils: Since steam distillation occurs at
relatively low temperatures, the delicate structure of the essential oils is
preserved.
 Efficient Extraction: The process allows for efficient extraction of volatile
compounds without degradation.
 Separation of Oil and Water: The method naturally separates water and
oil, making it easy to collect pure essential oil.
Limitations of Steam Distillation:
 Limited to Volatile Compounds: Steam distillation is effective only for
volatile oils and compounds, meaning it cannot extract non-volatile
compounds like resins or certain alkaloids.
 Heat Sensitivity: Although the temperature is relatively low, some
extremely heat-sensitive compounds may still degrade.

Spirits in pharmaceutical and herbal contexts refer to alcoholic solutions of volatile

substances, such as essential oils or other aromatic compounds. These solutions
are widely used for medicinal purposes, where alcohol acts both as a solvent and a
preservative. Spirits can be used internally, often diluted, or externally for various
therapeutic purposes.
Characteristics of Spirits
 Alcohol Content: Spirits are typically prepared using ethyl alcohol (ethanol)
of high concentration, often 60% to 90%, depending on the nature of the
volatile substance.
  Volatile Ingredients: The active ingredients in spirits are usually volatile
oils, aromatics, or medicinal substances like camphor or menthol.
 Clear Solution: A well-prepared spirit is a clear solution, as alcohol dissolves
volatile oils and aromatic compounds efficiently.
 Storage: Spirits are usually stored in tightly closed, amber-colored bottles to
prevent the loss of volatile ingredients and to protect them from light, which
may cause degradation.
Types of Spirits
1. Aromatic Spirits: These contain aromatic volatile oils, such as lavender,
peppermint, or cinnamon. They are often used as flavoring agents or for their
carminative (anti-gas) properties.
o Example: Peppermint Spirit is used as a digestive aid and for
relieving flatulence.
2. Medicated Spirits: These contain medicinal substances that have
therapeutic properties, such as camphor or chloroform.
o Example: Camphor Spirit is used externally as a rubefacient (to
increase blood flow) for muscle pain, while Chloroform Spirit is
sometimes used in cough mixtures.
3. Simple Spirits: These are prepared using a single volatile substance,
typically in a lower concentration.
o Example: Spirit of Ether is used as an anesthetic and antispasmodic.
4. Compound Spirits: These contain more than one volatile or active
ingredient and are often more complex preparations.
o Example: Compound Spirit of Cardamom combines several essential
oils and is used for digestive problems.
Methods of Preparation
1. Solution Method: The volatile substance or essential oil is dissolved in
alcohol by simple mixing. This method is often used when the volatile oil is
soluble in alcohol at room temperature.
o Procedure:
 The volatile oil is accurately measured.
 The required amount of alcohol is added and mixed thoroughly
until a clear solution forms.
 2. Distillation Method: Some spirits, especially those containing more
complex mixtures, are prepared by distillation. The plant material is distilled
with alcohol to extract volatile compounds, which are then collected in the
alcohol solution.
o Procedure:
 The plant material is placed in a distillation apparatus with
alcohol.
 The mixture is heated, and the volatile oils are vaporized,
condensed, and collected in the alcohol solution.
Uses of Spirits
1. Medicinal:
o Internally, spirits may be used as carminatives, expectorants, or
digestive aids. For example, Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia is used to
treat fainting or dizziness.
o Externally, spirits are often used for their antiseptic and rubefacient
properties, as seen in Camphor Spirit for muscle pains.
2. Flavoring Agents:
o In pharmaceutical preparations, aromatic spirits like Cinnamon Spirit
or Peppermint Spirit can be used as flavoring agents to mask the
taste of unpleasant-tasting medications.
3. Cosmetics and Perfumery:
o Spirits are used in perfumery and cosmetic formulations due to their
volatile nature and pleasant aromas. Alcohol helps to dissolve essential
oils and create long-lasting perfumes.
4. Tincture Substitute:
o In some cases, spirits can serve as a substitute for tinctures when a
highly concentrated and volatile solution is required. However,
tinctures generally have a lower alcohol content and extract both
volatile and non-volatile compounds from plant material.
Precautions and Storage
 Spirits should be stored in airtight, amber-colored bottles to prevent the
evaporation of volatile components.
 Due to the high alcohol content, spirits should be kept away from heat
sources and flames, as they are flammable.
  The dosage and usage of medicinal spirits should be carefully monitored,
particularly when taken internally, as excessive alcohol intake or volatile
compound concentration can lead to toxicity.

1. Spirit of Orange B.P.

Formula:
 Orange peel oil: 10 mL
 Ethanol (95%): 90 mL
Method of Preparation:
1. Preparation of Ingredients: Measure the required amount of orange peel
oil and ethanol.
2. Mixing: In a suitable container, mix the orange peel oil with ethanol.
3. Dissolution: Stir the mixture thoroughly until the oil is completely dissolved
in the ethanol.
4. Storage: Transfer the mixture to an amber-colored bottle, label it, and store
it in a cool, dry place.
Notes:
 The Spirit of Orange is used primarily for its pleasant aroma and as a
flavoring agent in various formulations.
2. Compound Spirit of Cardamom B.P.
Formula:
 Cardamom oil: 5 mL
 Clove oil: 2.5 mL
 Cinnamon oil: 2.5 mL
 Ethanol (95%): 90 mL
Method of Preparation:
1. Preparation of Ingredients: Measure the required amounts of cardamom
oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, and ethanol.
2. Mixing: In a suitable container, combine the cardamom oil, clove oil, and
cinnamon oil.
3. Addition of Ethanol: Slowly add ethanol to the mixture while stirring.
4. Dissolution: Continue stirring until the oils are completely dissolved in the
ethanol.
 5. Storage: Transfer the mixture to an amber-colored bottle, label it, and store
it in a cool, dry place.
Notes:
 Compound Spirit of Cardamom is used as a flavoring agent and for its
carminative properties. It is commonly used in the treatment of digestive
issues.
3. Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia
Formula:
 Ammonium carbonate: 10 g
 Peppermint oil: 2.5 mL
 Ethanol (95%): 85 mL
Method of Preparation:
1. Preparation of Ingredients: Measure the ammonium carbonate,
peppermint oil, and ethanol.
2. Dissolution of Ammonium Carbonate: In a suitable container, dissolve the
ammonium carbonate in ethanol. Stir until completely dissolved.
3. Addition of Peppermint Oil: Add the peppermint oil to the solution and mix
thoroughly.
4. Storage: Transfer the prepared aromatic spirit to an amber-colored bottle,
label it, and store it in a cool, dry place.
Notes:
 Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia is used for its aromatic properties and can be
used to treat fainting and dizziness due to its stimulating effect on the
respiratory system.
General Considerations
 Storage: All spirits should be stored in airtight, amber-colored bottles to
protect them from light and air, which can degrade their quality.
 Labeling: Proper labeling is essential to indicate the contents and
concentration.
 Safety: Spirits are flammable due to their high alcohol content and should be
handled and stored with care.

Tinctures are alcoholic extracts of plant materials or their active constituents,

used widely in herbal medicine and pharmacology. The alcohol acts as a solvent
and preservative, extracting both volatile and non-volatile compounds from the
plant material. Tinctures can be prepared using different methods, including
percolation and maceration.
Methods of Preparation
1. Tinctures by Percolation
Percolation is a method where the plant material is packed in a percolator, and
the solvent is allowed to pass through it gradually. This method is often used for its
efficiency in extracting both volatile and non-volatile components.
Formula:
 Plant material: 100 g
 Ethanol (95%): 500 mL
Method of Preparation:
1. Preparation of Plant Material: Dry and grind the plant material to a coarse
powder.
2. Packing the Percolator: Place the powdered plant material into the
percolator, ensuring it is packed uniformly.
3. Moistening: Moisten the plant material with a small amount of the solvent
(ethanol) to start the extraction process and ensure even saturation.
4. Percolation: Slowly pour the remaining solvent over the plant material,
allowing it to percolate through the packed material. The solvent extracts the
active constituents as it flows downward.
5. Collection: Collect the percolate, which contains the tincture. Continue the
percolation until the solvent running out is clear.
6. Filtration: Filter the tincture to remove any remaining plant particles.
7. Storage: Transfer the filtered tincture to an amber-colored bottle, label it,
and store it in a cool, dry place.
Pharmaceutical Uses:
 Herbal Remedies: Commonly used in the preparation of herbal extracts for
various medicinal purposes.
 Pharmaceutical Preparations: Used as a solvent and ingredient in
medicinal formulations.
2. Tinctures by Maceration
Maceration is a simpler method where the plant material is soaked in alcohol over
time. This method is often used for delicate or heat-sensitive materials.
Formula:
 Plant material: 100 g
 Ethanol (95%): 500 mL
Method of Preparation:
1. Preparation of Plant Material: Dry and grind the plant material to a coarse
powder.
2. Mixing: Place the powdered plant material in a suitable container and add
the solvent (ethanol). Stir the mixture to ensure the plant material is fully
immersed.
3. Maceration: Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature, covered, for a
period of 7-14 days. Stir the mixture daily to enhance extraction.
4. Filtration: After the maceration period, filter the tincture to remove the
plant particles.
5. Storage: Transfer the filtered tincture to an amber-colored bottle, label it,
and store it in a cool, dry place.
Pharmaceutical Uses:
 Herbal Extracts: Used to prepare herbal tinctures for therapeutic purposes.
 Flavoring Agents: Sometimes used in pharmaceutical preparations for
flavoring.
Pharmaceutical Uses of Tinctures
1. Medicinal Uses:
o Digestive Aids: Tinctures of herbs like ginger or peppermint are used
to alleviate digestive issues such as nausea or indigestion.
o Sedatives and Relaxants: Tinctures of valerian root or chamomile
are used to promote relaxation and sleep.
o Antiseptics: Some tinctures, such as those made from Echinacea, are
used for their antimicrobial properties.
2. Flavoring Agents:
o Pharmaceutical Preparations: Tinctures can be used to mask
unpleasant flavors in medications and improve patient compliance.
3. Topical Applications:
o Skin Care: Tinctures of herbs like witch hazel or calendula are used in
topical preparations for their astringent or anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Preservatives:
 o Pharmaceutical Products: The alcohol in tinctures helps preserve the
active ingredients and extends the shelf life of the product.
5. Diagnostic and Research:
o Laboratory Use: Tinctures can be used in research settings to study
the effects of various plant extracts on biological systems.
These are the examples of tinctures prepared by percolation and maceration,
including their pharmaceutical uses:
1. Tincture of Belladonna (Belladonna Tincture)
Method of Preparation: Percolation
Formula:
 Belladonna root or leaves: 100 g
 Ethanol (95%): Sufficient quantity to make up to 500 mL
Method:
1. Preparation: Dry and grind the belladonna plant material to a coarse
powder.
2. Packing: Place the powdered plant material into the percolator.
3. Moistening: Moisten the plant material with a small amount of ethanol.
4. Percolation: Slowly pour the ethanol over the plant material, allowing it to
percolate through.
5. Collection: Collect the percolate until the solvent running out is clear.
6. Filtration: Filter the tincture to remove any remaining solid particles.
7. Storage: Transfer the tincture to an amber-colored bottle, label it, and store
it in a cool, dry place.
Pharmaceutical Uses:
 Anticholinergic: Used for its anticholinergic effects in treating motion
sickness, muscle spasms, and as an adjunct in treating certain types of
poisoning. It is also used in some eye drops to dilate the pupils.
2. Tincture of Echinacea (Echinacea Tincture)
Method of Preparation: Maceration
Formula:
 Echinacea root or aerial parts: 100 g
 Ethanol (95%): 500 mL
Method:
1. Preparation: Dry and coarsely grind the Echinacea plant material.
 2. Mixing: Combine the powdered Echinacea with ethanol in a container,
ensuring the plant material is fully immersed.
3. Maceration: Allow the mixture to macerate at room temperature for 7-14
days, stirring daily.
4. Filtration: After the maceration period, filter the mixture to remove plant
particles.
5. Storage: Transfer the filtered tincture to an amber-colored bottle, label it,
and store it in a cool, dry place.
Pharmaceutical Uses:
 Immune Support: Used to support the immune system, particularly during
colds and respiratory infections. Echinacea tincture is often taken to reduce
the severity and duration of symptoms.
3. Tincture of Lavender (Lavender Tincture)
Method of Preparation: Percolation
Formula:
 Lavender flowers: 100 g
 Ethanol (95%): Sufficient quantity to make up to 500 mL
Method:
1. Preparation: Dry and lightly crush the lavender flowers.
2. Packing: Place the crushed lavender into the percolator.
3. Moistening: Moisten the plant material with a small amount of ethanol.
4. Percolation: Slowly pour ethanol over the lavender, allowing it to percolate
through.
5. Collection: Collect the tincture until the solvent running out is clear.
6. Filtration: Filter the tincture to remove any solid residues.
7. Storage: Store the tincture in an amber-colored bottle, properly labeled.
Pharmaceutical Uses:
 Relaxant and Antiseptic: Lavender tincture is used for its calming effects,
helping with anxiety and insomnia. It is also used in topical applications for
minor wounds and as an antiseptic.