Study of extraction of Herbal Drugs

INTRODUCTION
EXTRACTION
 Extraction refers to processes for the isolation of the active ingredients from
drug material. This may be by physical means or by dissolving in a suitable
menstruum (liquid solvent eg. water or alcohol).
 It involves the separation of medicinally active portions of plants or animals
tissues from the inactive or inert components by using selective solvents by
using standard extraction procedures.
 It includes solvent extraction, distillation methods, pressing and sublimation
according to the extraction principle.
 The extraction of natural products progresses through the following stages:-
1. The solvent penetrates into solid matrix
2. The solutes dissolves into the solvents
3. The solute is diffused out of the solid matrix
4. The extracted solute is collected.

EFFICIENCY DEPENDS UPON FOLLOWING FACTORS :-

 The properties of the extraction solvent.

 The particles size of the raw material.

 The solvent – to - solid ration.

 The extraction Temperature

 The extraction duration.

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Fig :- 01
STEPS INVOLVED IN THE EXTRACTION :-
1. SIZE REDUCTION

2. EXTRACTION

3. FILTERATION

4. CONCENTRATION

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5. DRYING

PROCEDURE FOR EXTRACTION :-

1. Add the extraction solvents to the separatory funnel (be certain the Teflon
stopcock is closed first!). Two phases should be observed.

2. Place the cap on the separatory funnel.

3. Holding the cap and funnel securely, invert the separatory funnel.

4. Vent the separatory funnel: with the funnel inverted (and cap secured), open
the Teflon stopcock to reduce any pressure that has built.

5. Close the stopcock and gently shake the separatory funnel.

6. Repeat the shaking and venting steps several times.

7. After completing the above steps, it is necessary to collect the phase that has
dissolved the compound targeted for isolation. Deciding which phase this
actually is requires some knowledge of the polarity of the target compound.
When in doubt, save both phases and consult with the instructor. Never
throw away a phase until absolutely certain it is no longer needed.

8. To remove a phase from the separatory funnel, return the funnel to its
upright position and rest it on a ring clamp. Remove the cap from the
separatory funnel and drain the two phases into two different beakers.

9. Decide which solvent contains the target compound and place the
appropriate beaker in a 'safe place'(probably in a corner of the bench, but
always in the hood). Usually the entire extraction process is repeated several
times to insure that the maximum amount of the target molecule has been
isolated. For this reason it is necessary to also save the phase containing the
original mixture.

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HERBAL DRUGS

 Herbal medicine/Drugs is the study of pharmacognosy and the use of

medicinal plants, which are a basis of traditional medicine.
 It is also called herbalism, phytomedicine or phytotherapy.
 Herbal medicine has its origins in ancient cultures. It involves the medicinal
use of plants to treat disease and enhance general health and wellbeing.
 Herbal medicines contain active ingredients. The active ingredients of many
herbal preparations are as yet unknown. Some pharmaceutical medications
are based on a single active ingredient derived from a plant source
 Examples :- Garlic and Turmeric etc.

BENEFITS OF HERBAL MEDICINES :-

1. More affordable

2. Improved immune function

3. Better digestive health

4. Reduced stress and anxiety

5. Enhanced cognition
6. Balanced hormones

7. Natural pain management

8. Sustainable and eco-friendly

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9. Earth connection

10.Autonomy

SOME OF THE SIDE EFFECTS OF HERBAL DRUGS :-

1. Allergic reactions.

2. Rashes.

3. Asthma.

4. Headaches.

5. Nausea.

6. Vomiting.

7. Diarrhoea.

Medicinal uses for specific herbs :-

Herbal medicine aims to return the body to a state of natural balance so that it can
heal itself. Different herbs act on different systems of the body.

Some herbs that are commonly used in herbal medicine, and their traditional uses,
include:
 Echinacea – to stimulate the immune system and aid the body in fighting
infection. Used to treat ailments such as boils, fever and herpes.

 Dong quai (dang gui) – used for gynaecological complaints such as

premenstrual tension, menopause symptoms and period pain. Some studies
indicate that dong quai can lower blood pressure.

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 Garlic – used to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering levels of blood
fats and cholesterol (a type of blood fat). The antibiotic and antiviral
properties of garlic mean that it is also used to fight colds, sinusitis and other
respiratory infections.

 Ginger – many studies have shown ginger to be useful in treating nausea,

including motion sickness and morning sickness.

 Ginkgo biloba – commonly used to treat poor blood circulation and tinnitus
(ringing in the ears).

 Ginseng – generally used to treat fatigue, for example during recovery from
illness. It is also used to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels,
however overuse of ginseng has been associated with raised blood pressure.

 Hypericum perforatum – commonly known as St John’s Wort. Studies have

suggested that St John’s Wort is just as effective as some pharmaceutical
antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression. It is also used for
anxiety and insomnia.

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Extraction Yields of the Different Types of Extraction for the

Several Parts of the Plant (%)

Table no. :- 01 [12]

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CLASSIFICATION OF EXTRACTION TECHNIQUES

Fig :- 02

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 INFUSION :-
 Drug is placed at bottom of the pot + add water/hot water and
stirred three to four times, stands a usually 15 minutes. After
15 minutes, filtering off the liquid without pressing the marc.
Or
 Drug is Enclosed in muslin bag& suspended in the water/hot
water in a pot. stirring is not required due to slow circulation.

1. Fresh Infusion
 Coarse powder of drug + water (aqueous solution/menstruum)
 Used within 12 hours after its preparation otherwise infusion
get spoilt due to fungal and bacterial growth.
 Example: fresh infusion of

2. Concentrated infusion
 Prepared by double/triple maceration process
 8 x stronger than fresh infusion
 Alcohol(20-25% in concentration) used as solvent
 Alcohol-can be stored for a longer period of time
 Eg. Conc. infusion of Quassia, Conc. infusion of chirata

 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 from hard & woody materials.
 The starting ratio of crude drug to water is fixed, e.g. 1:4 or
1:16; the volume is then brought down to one-fourth its original
volume by boiling during the extraction procedure. Then, the
concentrated extract is filtered and used as such or processed
further.
 This process is typically used in preparation of Ayurvedic
extracts called “quath” or “kawath”.

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Study of extraction of Herbal drugs

 MACERATION
 In this process, the whole or coarsely powdered crude drug is
placed in a stoppered container. Then the mesntruum is poured
on top until completely covered the drug material. The
container is then closed & allowed to stand at room temperature
for a period of at least 3 days with frequent agitation until the
soluble matter has dissolved. 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.
 This method is convenient and very suitable for thermolabile
plant material.
 Note: Plant material in fine powder form is never used, as it
makes subsequent clarification/filtration of the extract difficult.

 Process of extraction works by molecular diffusion, which is

very slow. Occasional shaking assists diffusion and also ensures
dispersal of the concentrated solution accumulating around the
surface of the particles, thereby bringing fresh menstruum to
the particle surface for further extraction.

 A closed vessel is used to prevent evaporation of the

menstruum during the extraction period and thus avoids batch
to batch variation.

Maceration Process for Organized and Unorganized

Crude Drugs :-
 Organized drugs have a defined cellular structure whereas
unorganized drugs are non-cellular.
 Bark and roots are examples of organized crude drugs, while
gum and resin are unorganized crude drugs.
1. Organized Drug/simple maceration
 Placed crude Organized drug in closed vessel & fill with entire
volume of menstruum.
 Shake occasionally for 7 days
 Strain liquid, press the marc.

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 Both expressed liquid & strained liquid are mixed & finally
preparation is filtered to remove insoluble cell content & stored.
Filtrate is not adjusted for volume.
 Example: Tincture of orange(IP), Tincture of lemon, tincture of
capsicum (BPC), compound tincture of gentian, tincture of
lemon, and tincture of squill (BPC).
 Note: During maceration of organized drugs, the marc is
pressed because a considerable proportion of liquid adheres to it
and cannot otherwise be separated. Also volume is not adjusted
because a variable amount of liquid containing soluble matter is
left in the marc. If the volume is adjusted, a weak product will
result.

2. Unorganized Drug/modified maceration

 Drug + four-fifths (4/5) of menstruum (in most cases)
 Shake occasionally on days 2 to 7, as specified.
 Decant the liquid. Marc is not pressed.
 Filter the liquid and add remaining menstruum (1/5 part)
through the filter to adjust the final volume.
 Example: Tincture of the tolu, Compound tincture of benzoin,
tincture of myrrh (BPC).
 Note: In maceration of unorganized drugs, the marc is not
pressed because the desirable material is mostly dissolved and
the remaining marc is gummy and slimy. Thus, it is neither
practicable nor necessary to press it. or Unorganised drug
behave like simple chemical (sugar) and dissolve very easily
and quickly.(so need not to press the marc).
 PERCOLATION
 Percolation is used mostly to prepare tincture & fluid extract. It
is also known as Exhaustive Extraction.

 A percolator (a narrow, cone shaped vessel open at both ends) is

used to extract active ingredients from the crude drugs.

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Various types of Percolation

a) Simple percolation
b) Percolation process for concentrate preparation
c) Continuous hot percolation/Soxhlet
percolator, Extraction, Pharmaceutics
Percolator

Fig :- 03

Steps involved in percolation process:

I. Size Reduction

Size reduction increases the surface area of the crude drug and more
surface area of the crude drug will be available to react with the
menstruum to insure complete exhaustion of the crude drug. Size

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Study of extraction of Herbal drugs

reduction is also helpful for uniform packing of the crude drug in a

percolator and reducing the moment of menstruum in the percolator.

II. Imbibition

In the Imbibition step, the powdered crude drug is moistened with

menstruum in well closed container for 4 hrs to swell and to escape
entrapped air. During imbibition step, the menstruum penetrates the
cell wall. This initial moistening of the crude drug powder is very
important because it reduces the chances of choking of percolator
though the dried drug swells when comes into contact with
menstruum. Imbibitions also prevent the washing of fine particles of
the crude drug during percolation.

.III. Packing

Moistened drug is packed in percolator & additional menstruum is

added to form shallow layer.

The lower end of the percolator should be plucked with cotton and
then place the drug powder layer by layer. Two third of the percolator
should be covered with the drug on which place the piece of filter
paper and wash sand should be placed on the top of the filter paper.
This prevents any type of disturbance of the crude drug by the flow of
menstruum.

IV. Maceration

V. Percolation

VI. Pressing the marc

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 HOT CONTINUOUS EXTRACTION (SOXHLET)

 The Soxhlet extraction is an automatic continuous extraction
method with high extraction efficiency that requires less time
and solvent consumption than maceration or percolation.

 Principle: Soxhlet utilizes the principle of reflux and siphoning

to continuously extract the herb with fresh solvent.

 Soxhlet extraction method is suitable when

1. Menstruum has less penetration into the cellular tissue.

2. Active constituents are not readily extracted with a solvent.
 Note: The high temperature and long extraction time in the
Soxhlet extraction will increase the possibilities of thermal
degradation.

 Fixed oil from seed, alkaloid from drug are extract by soxhlet
extraction process using Benzene, chloroform and petroleum,
Ether etc.

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Apparatus-

Fig :- 04

 The apparatus consist of three important parts:

A . Flask (round bottom) containing the boiling solvent.
B . Soxhlet Extractor in which the drug to be extracted is packed.It
has a side tube which carries the vapours of the solvent from the flask
to the condenser and a syphon tube which syphons over the extract
from soxhlet extractor to the flask.
C . A condenser in which the vapours of the solvent are condensed
again into solvent

Procedure:-

 Placed finely ground crude drug which is packed into a porous

bag/thimbe (made of filter paper) in a soxlet extractor..

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 The solvent is placed in the flask. & extracting solvent is

boiled. It gets converted into vapours. & vapour is condensed in
reflux condensor.
 When solvent is boiled on heating the flask,it gets converted
into vapours.These vapours enter into the condenser through the
side tube and get condensed into hot liquid which falls on the
column of the drug.When the extractor gets filled with the
solvent ,the level of syphon tube also raise up to its top.The
solvent containing active constituents of the drug in the syphon
tube syphon over and run into the flask ,thus emptying the body
of extractor .This alternation of filling and emptying the body
of extractor goes on continuously. The soluble active
constituents of the drug remain in the flask while the solvent is
repeatedly volatilised. The process of filling and emptying of
the extractor is repeated until the drug is exhausted. Normally
the process is repeated about 15 times for complete exhaustion
of the drug.
Advantage:

 Large amount of drug can be extracted with much smaller

quantity of solvent(fewer solvents).
 Tremendous economy in terms of time, energy & ultimately
financial inputs.
 Small scale used a batch-process.
 Becomes more economical when converted into continuous
extraction.
Demerits:

Thermolabile drugs and constituents are not suitably extracted by this

method.

 DIGESTION
 Drug is extracted by heating at a particular pressure. This will
increase the penetration power of the menstruum so that there is
complete extraction of the drug.
 Digestor: Metal vessel

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 COUNTER-CURRENT EXTRACTION
In counter-current extraction (CCE), wet raw material is pulverized
using toothed disc disintegrators to produce a fi ne slurry. In this
process, the material to be extracted is moved in one direction
(generally in the form of a fi ne slurry) within a cylindrical extractor
where it comes in contact with extraction solvent. The further the
starting material moves, the more concentrated the extract becomes.
Complete extraction is thus possible when the quantities of solvent
and material and their flow rates are optimized. The process is highly
efficient, requiring little time and posing no risk from high
temperature. Finally, sufficiently concentrated extract comes out at
one end of the extractor while the marc (practically free of visible
solvent) falls out from the other end.

 ULTRASOUND EXTRACTION (SONICATION)

 The procedure involves the use of ultrasound with frequencies
ranging from 20 kHz to 2000 kHz; this increases the
permeability of cell walls and produces cavitation. Although the
process is useful in some cases, like extraction of rauwolfi a
root.

 Its large-scale application is limited due to the higher costs.

 One disadvantage of the procedure is the occasional but known

deleterious effect of ultrasound energy (more than 20 kHz) on
the active constituents of medicinal plants through formation of
free radicals and consequently undesirable changes in the drug
molecules

 SUPERCRITICAL FLUID EXTRACTION

The different component in the supercritical fluid extraction is the first
one is a fluid reservoir which contains the fluid-like gas cylinder in
the case of CO2. Another one is the pump; the pump may be a syringe
pump or reciprocating pump. Another important is the extractor which
may be made of stainless steel and can with a stand to high pressure
like 300 to 600 atmosphere. Another important component of the

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supercritical fluid extractor is the restrictor. It is important for the

controlled and systematic release of the pressure inside the extractor
vesicle. The restrictor may be a fixed type or variable type. The
isolated constituent is collected in a collector where it can be detected
with the help of a detector. Sometimes modifiers are also added into
the supercritical fluid to increase its versatility like one to ten percent
of methanol is added in CO2.

 HYDRODISTILLATION
 It is method popular methods to separate the essential oil from
crude drugs.

 In order to isolate essential oils by hydrodistillation, the

aromatic plant material is packed in a still and a sufficient
quantity of water is added and brought to a boil; alternatively,
live steam is injected into the plant charge. Due to the influence
of hot water and steam, the essential oil is freed from the oil
glands in the plant tissue. The vapor mixture of water and oil is
condensed by indirect cooling with water. From the condenser,
distillate flows into a separator, where oil separates
automatically from the distillate water.

 Three are three types of hydrodistillation for isolating essential

oils from plant materials:

1. Water distillation
2. Water and steam distillation
3. Direct steam distillation

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Table no. :- 02 [13]

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CONCLUSION

Efficacy of Extraction Methods: Summarize the effectiveness of the various

extraction methods used in the study. Compare their efficiency in extracting
bioactive compounds from the herbal drugs.Yield and Purity: Discuss the yield of
the extracted compounds and the purity of the extracts obtained through different
methods. Evaluate if the chosen extraction method(s) achieved the desired
concentration and quality of the herbal drug compounds.Bioactivity and
Pharmacological Potential: Analyze the bioactivity of the extracted compounds,
including their potential medicinal properties. This may include antioxidant, anti-
inflammatory, antimicrobial, or other relevant pharmacological activities.
Optimization: If the study involved optimizing extraction parameters such as
temperature, solvent type, extraction time, or ratio, discuss the optimal conditions
for maximizing the extraction of active compounds.Safety and Sustainability:
Consider the safety of the extraction process and its environmental sustainability.
Evaluate the potential risks associated with the use of specific solvents or
extraction methods.Comparative Analysis: If applicable, compare the results of
your study with previous research or traditional extraction methods to highlight
any advancements or improvements.Challenges and Limitations: Acknowledge any
challenges or limitations encountered during the study, such as variations in herbal
drug quality, analytical techniques, or potential bias in the results.Future
Directions: Suggest potential areas for future research or improvements in
extraction techniques. Identify any unanswered questions or areas where further
investigation is needed.Practical Implications: Discuss the practical implications of
your findings for the herbal medicine industry, pharmaceutical development, or
healthcare.Conclusion Statement: Summarize the main findings and their
significance. State whether the study's objectives were achieved and how the
results contribute to the field of herbal drug extraction.

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REFERENCE

1. "Textbook of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry" by Biren N.

Shah and A. K. Seth
2. Pharmacognosy: Fundamentals, Applications and Strategies" by
Dr. Vinod D. Rangari
3. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals: A Handbook for
Practice on a Scientific Basis" edited by Max Wichtl
4. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects" edited by
Iris F. F. Benzie and Sissi Wachtel-Galor
5. Extraction Technologies for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants"
edited by S. Rajasekaran
6. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs" by James A. Duke
7. Phytochemical Methods: A Guide to Modern Techniques of
Plant Analysis" by Professor Sir Derek Barton and Dr. K. K.
Khanna
8. Pharmacognosy: Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants" by Jean
Bruneton
9. Extraction Technologies for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants"
edited by R. K. S. Rathore and Anand K. Sharma
10.Phytochemical Methods: A Guide to Modern Techniques of
Plant Analysis" by James B. Harborne
11.Extraction of Natural Products Using Near-Critical Solvents"
by Keshavan Niranjan
12.Researchgate.net,A-summary-of-various-extraction-methods-
for-natural-products-77-78_tbl3_347261522
13.Researchgate.net,figure/Extraction-Yields-of-the-Different-
Types-of-Extraction-for-the-Several-Parts-of-
the_tbl1_234033735
14.Textbook of Industrial Pharmacognosy by A.N. Kalia, CBS
Publishers & Distributers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.
15.Textbook of Pharmacognosy by Tyler, Brady & Robber, CBS
Publishers & Distributers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
16.Textbook of Pharmacognosy by C.K. Kokate, Purohit, Gokhale,
Nirali Prakashan, New Delhi

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Study of extraction of Herbal drugs

17.Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy by W. C. Evans, 16th edition,

W.B. Sounders & Co., London.
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Publishers & Distributers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.
19.Textbook of Pharmacognosy by Tyler, Brady & Robber, CBS
Publishers & Distributers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.
20. Handbook of Cosmetic Science & Technology by M. Paye,
A.D. Barel, H. Maibach, Informa Healthcare, NY.
21. Cosmetics Formulation, Manufacture and QA by P.P. Sharma,
4th edition, Vandana Publication Pvt. Ltd.
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Bulter, Springer (India) Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.
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Gokhale, Nirali Prakashan, New Delhi.
24. Essential of Pharmacognosy by Dr. S.H. Ansari, Birla
Publications Pvt. Ltd., Delhi.
25. Pharmacopeial Standards for Ayurvedic Formulation (Council
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Botanicals by Mukherjee, P.W. Business Horizons Publishers,
New Delhi.

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