Extraction Technologies for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Key terms and definitions related to extraction technologies for medicinal and aromatic plants.

Extraction (pharmaceutical)

The separation of medicinally active portions of plant (and animal) tissues using selective solvents through standard procedures.

Menstruum

A selective solvent used to extract therapeutically desired portions and eliminate unwanted material from crude drugs.

Maceration

A process where crude drug is placed in a stoppered container with solvent at room temperature for at least 3 days, with frequent agitation.

Infusion

A process of macerating crude drug for a short period with cold or boiling water to create dilute solutions.

Digestion

A form of maceration where gentle heat is used during the extraction process.

Decoction

A process where crude drug is boiled in a specific volume of water for a defined time, then cooled and strained.

Percolation

A procedure to extract active ingredients by moistening solid ingredients with menstruum, macerating, and slowly dripping liquid.

Hot Continuous Extraction (Soxhlet)

A method where crude drug in a porous bag is extracted by heated solvent that condenses and drips into the bag, continuously siphoning back into the flask.

Aqueous Alcoholic Extraction by Fermentation

A technique using fermentation to extract active principles by soaking crude drug for a specified time, generating alcohol in situ.

Counter-current Extraction (CCE)

A process where material is moved in one direction within a cylindrical extractor, contacting extraction solvent for efficient and complete extraction.

Ultrasound Extraction (Sonication)

A procedure using ultrasound to increase cell wall permeability and produce cavitation for extraction.

Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE)

A sample preparation method using supercritical fluids to reduce organic solvent use and increase sample throughput.

Phytonics Process

A patented technology using hydrofluorocarbon-134a for plant material extraction, offering environmental and health benefits.

Concrete

An extract of fresh flowers, herbs, leaves, or flowering tops of plants obtained by using a hydrocarbon solvent.

Absolutes

Alcohol-soluble volatile concentrates extracted from concretes.

Resinoid

An extract of naturally resinous material, made with a hydrocarbon solvent.

Pomade

A product obtained by enfleurage, a cold fat extraction method involving the absorption of fragrance by fat.

Essential Oils

Volatile plant extracts used in various consumer goods, isolated from plant material by distillation.

Attar

Floral distillates obtained by hydrodistillation of flowers in sandalwood oil or other base materials.

Hydrodiffusion

Diffusion of essential oils and hot water through plant membranes.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction between water and certain constituents of essential oils, especially esters.

Pelatrice Process

An essential oil extraction method where citrus fruits are rotated against an abrasive shell to release oil.

Sfumatrice Process

An essential oil extraction process where citrus peels are pressed and bent to release oil.

Enfleurage

A cold fat extraction method of odorless, bland, fixed oil or fat being spread in a thin layer on glass plates to absorb small concentrations of essential oils.

Hydrodistillation

A method where the aromatic plant material is packed in a still, water is added, and brought to a boil; live steam may be injected.