Plant Extraction Methods

Plants are a great source of bioactive molecules with therapeutic and medicinal properties, and plant extraction methods are used to isolate and concentrate these molecules for use in research and drug development. Generally, the two main extraction methods used are physical and chemical extraction. Physical extraction methods, such as solvent extraction and supercritical fluid extraction, involve the use of various solvents to dissolve and separate the desired molecules from the plant material. Chemical extraction methods involve the use of chemical reagents to act on the plant material, resulting in the formation of new chemical compounds or the alteration of existing ones. Examples of chemical extraction methods include steam distillation, acid-base extraction, and maceration. In addition to these methods, other extraction techniques, such as microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and pressurized liquid extraction, have been developed in recent years. These methods involve the application of energy to modify the chemical and physical properties of the plant material, resulting in improved extraction efficiency. Furthermore, the use of green extraction techniques, such as supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, is becoming increasingly popular due to its environmental benefits. These techniques offer a safe and efficient way to extract bioactive molecules from plants, furthering their application in the pharmaceutical industry.