Extract Pro Extract

Extract Pro Extract (EPE)

• Definition: Extract Pro Extract refers to a process of percolating herbs to create a concentrated extract.

• Process:

  • Herbs are percolated to extract their active components.

  • The extracted solution is further percolated to strengthen the concentration.

  • This concentrated extract is then reduced to a solid-like, fudgy consistency.

• Uses in Industry:

  • Commonly utilised in tablet manufacturing.

  • Commercial fluid extracts may use EPEs by reconstituting the concentrated form rather than creating extracts from scratch.

  • Example: Similar to reconstituting orange juice from concentrate, fluid extracts are made by reconstituting EPEs, reducing the need for importing large volumes of water.

Example: Types of Liquorice Extracts

• A variety of liquorice forms exist:

  • Crude Liquorice Root: Whole or chopped roots.

    • Example: Right-hand side of the reference photo shows straight liquorice root.

  • Powdered Pure Extract: Finely ground liquorice root, retains similar color to the original root.

  • EPE Solid Form: A concentrated resin-like extract, sometimes referred to as a fudgy substance, which can be sold in health food stores.

  • Hard Toffee-like Stick: Solid form of liquorice that's black, hard, and sold as a stick; users can break small pieces off.

Tincture Preparation

• In class, tinctures will be made with crude plants that are simply chopped and steeped to extract their active compounds.

• Unlike EPE preparation, this method results in a less concentrated extract because it doesn't undergo extensive concentration and reconstitution processes.

• Note: Specific herb for class tincture may differ from liquorice, but the extraction principles remain relevant.