Extract

Extract is a term used in pharmacology to denote a substance made by extracting a part of a raw material, often by using a solvent such as ethanol or water. Extracts may be sold as tinctures, capsules, powders, or in other forms.

Types of Extracts

There are several types of extracts, including:

• Fluid extracts: These are extracts that have been made with a specific volume of alcohol. They are stronger than other types of extracts.
• Solid extracts: These are extracts that have been dried into a solid form. They can be reconstituted with water or another solvent.
• Soft extracts: These are similar to solid extracts, but they are not completely dried. They have a consistency similar to that of a thick syrup.
• Tinctures: These are extracts that have been made with alcohol or another solvent. They are typically less concentrated than other types of extracts.

Uses of Extracts

Extracts are used in a variety of ways in medicine. They can be used to create medications, supplements, and other products. Some extracts are used for their therapeutic properties, while others are used for their flavor or aroma.

Extraction Methods

There are several methods used to create extracts, including:

• Soxhlet extraction: This method uses a piece of equipment called a Soxhlet extractor. The material to be extracted is placed in a porous bag or thimble, which is then placed inside the extractor. The extractor is filled with a solvent, which is heated to evaporate, then cooled to condense back into a liquid. This process is repeated several times until all of the desired substance has been extracted.
• Percolation: This method involves passing a solvent through the material to be extracted. The solvent dissolves the desired substance, which can then be collected.
• Maceration: This method involves soaking the material to be extracted in a solvent. The solvent dissolves the desired substance, which can then be collected.

See Also

• Pharmacognosy
• Phytotherapy
• Herbalism

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