Extraction Techniques
Extraction Techniques
Extraction Techniques
OF MEDICINAL PLANTS
By
GADDAM UMA MAHESWARA RAO
INTRODUCTION :
* Maceration
* Infusion
* Digestion
* Decocation
* Percolation
* Soxhletion
* Aqueous Alcoholic Extraction by
Fermentation
GENERAL METHODS OF EXTRACTION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS
* Maceration
In this process, the whole or coarsely powdered crude
drug is placed in a stoppered container with the solvent and
allowed to stand at room temperature for a period of at least 3
days. The mixture then is strained, the marc (the damp solid
material) is pressed, and the combined liquids are clarified by
filtration or decantation after standing.
*Infusion
Fresh infusions are prepared by
macerating the crude drug for a short period of
time with cold or boiling water. These are
dilute solutions of the readily soluble
constituents of crude drugs.
*Digestion
This is a form of maceration in which
gentle heat is used during the process of
extraction. It is used when moderately
elevated temperature is not objectionable.
*Decoction
In this process, the crude drug is
boiled in a specified volume of water
for a defined time; it is then cooled and
strained or filtered. This procedure is
suitable for extracting water-soluble,
heat-stable constituents.
*Percolation
This is the procedure used most
frequently to extract active
ingredients in the preparation of
tinctures and fluid extracts. A
percolator (a narrow, cone-shaped
vessel open at both ends) is generally
used.
*Hot Continuous Extraction (Soxhlet)
In this method, the finely ground crude drug is placed in a
porous bag made of strong filter paper, which is placed in
chamber E of the Soxhlet apparatus. The extracting solvent in
flask A is heated, and its vapors condense in condenser D. The
condensed extractant drips into the thimble containing the
crude drug, and extracts it by contact. When the level of liquid
in chamber E rises to the top of siphon tube C, the liquid
contents of chamber E siphon into flask A. This process is
continuous and is carried out until a drop of solvent from the
siphon tube does not leave any residue when evaporated.
*Aqueous Alcoholic Extraction by Fermentation
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: