IAJPS 2016, 3 (8), 880-891

T. Balakrishna et al

CODEN (USA): IAJPBB

ISSN 2349-7750

ISSN: 2349-7750

INDO AMERICAN JOURNAL OF

PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

Available online at: [Link]

Review Article

A REVIEW ON EXTRACTION TECHNIQUES

T. Balakrishna*, S. Vidyadhara, [Link], [Link], [Link] Prathyusha
Chebrolu Hanumaiah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chowdavaram, Guntur, A.P.
Abstract:
This discussion is concerned primarily with basic extraction procedures for crude drugs to obtain the active
therapeutic ingredients and eliminate the unwanted material by treating with the selective solvents. A wide range of
technologies are available for the extraction of active components and essential oils from medicinal and aromatic
plants. The choice depends on the economic feasibility and suitability of the process to the particular situation.
Techniques of extraction continue to be investigated and applied to obtain higher yields of the active substances
from natural resources. Some of these methods are maceration, percolation, infusion, decoction etc, by using
methods we can isolate the active constituents from raw materials of plant and animal sources.
Keywords: Solvents Maceration, Percolation, Infusion & Decoction.

Corresponding author:
[Link],
[Link],
Chebrolu Hanumaiah institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Chandramoulipuram, Chowdavaram,
Guntur-522019.
[Link]:balakrishnathalamanchi@[Link]

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Please cite this article in press as [Link] et al, A Review on Extraction Techniques, Indo Am. J. P. Sci,
2016; 3(8).

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INTRODUCTION:
Extraction
The process of isolation of active ingredients or
active substances or active medicaments from raw
materials of either plants or animals or directly from
the natural sources with the help of solvent is called
extraction.(or) The removal of desired soluble
constituents from a substance leaving out those which
are unwanted with the aid of solvent is called
Extraction.
Purpose for Extraction
To obtain the therapeutic portion of dosage form
from raw materials and to eliminate the
unwanted or inert material by treatment with
solvent
They play a decisive role in the determination of
qualitative and quantitative composition of
extracts
The extracts obtained are also utilized for the
isolation and characterization of therapeutically
active chemical constituents.
General Terms
Marc:
The unwanted or insoluble substances left behind
after the process of extraction is called marc. These
are not used for further purpose in the process of
extraction.
Menstrum
The solvent used in the process of extraction is called
solvent. The most commonly used menstrum is
water.
Choice of Menstrum
The menstrum should have the following properties
1. Highly selective for the compound to be
extracted
2. High capacity of extraction
3. Should not react with the extracted
compound or any other compound in the
raw material.
4. Should have low price and easily available
5. Should be harmless to man and environment
6. Completely volatile
Expression
When the extraction process is done with the help of
machine then it is also referred to as expression.
(or)The accomplishment of extraction by means of
mechanical aids is called expression.
Solvents used in Extraction
The solvents play an important role in the method of
extraction. The main solvents used in the process of
extraction are:
1.
2.
3.

Water
Alcohol
Ether

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4. Chloroform
5. Light petroleum
Water
It is the most common type of solvent used in the
process of extraction. It is suitable for the extraction
of proteins, Coloring matter, Gums, Anthraquinone
derivatives, Alkaloids, Glycosides, Sugars, Tannins,
Enzymes, Organic derivatives.
It dissolves many substances in it and is often
described as universal solvent. The main substances
that dissolve in this are Organic salts, Organic acids,
Enzymes, Volatile oils.
Advantages Water
i.
It is very cheap
ii.
It has wide solvent action
iii.
It is non-toxic
iv.
It is inflammable
Disadvantages Water
i.
Microbial contamination will occur
ii.
It is non-selective
iii.
It promotes hydrolysis
iv.
It also promotes enzymatic degradation
Alcohol
It is a suitable solvent used for the extraction of
Alkaloids, Alkaloidal bases, Glucosides, Volatile
oils, Tannins, Resins. The substances soluble in
alcohol are Coloring matter, Anthraquinonoid
derivatives, Tannins, Organic salts, Organic acids,
Alcohol is not suitable for the extraction of the
following because they are not soluble in the
alcohol: Fats, Fixed oils, Waxes, Sugars like sucrose.
Advantages of Alcohol
1. Has wide solvent action
2. No chance for the bacterial growth
3. It is non-toxic
4. Neutral in nature and also show
compatibility with the pharmaceutical
product
5. Absorption of constituents is more than
water
6. It is selective
7. No additional preservatives were required
8. Requires less heat when compared to water
Disadvantages of Alcohol
1. It is costly
Ether
It is used as a solvent for the extraction of fats, fixed
oils, waxes, resins, alkaloids.
Advantages of Ether
a. It is inflammable
Disadvantages of Ether
a. It is costly
b. It has a physiological effect
c. It is unsuitable for internal administration.

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Chloroform
It is used as a solvent for the extraction of Fats, fixed
oils, waxes, resins, alkaloids.
Advantages of Chloroform
1. it is inflammable
Disadvantages of Chloroform
a. It is costly
b. It has a physiological effect
c. It is unsuitable for internal administration.
Light Petroleum
It is used as a solvent for the extraction of Fats, fixed
oils, waxes, resins, alkaloids,
Advantages of Light Petroleum
1. It is inflammable
Disadvantages of Light Petroleum
a. It is costly
b. It has a physiological effect
c. It is unsuitable for internal administration
Theory of Extraction
The general procedure employed in the extraction of
organized drugs like tissues differs from that of
unorganized drugs like gums, resins, gum resins or
oleo gum resins. All the factors which help in
accomplishing, facilitating or enhancing the
solubility of desired constituents in the menstrum
explain theory of drug extraction.
In case of organized drugs, the cells constituting
tissues contain various plant constituents in the fluid
called cell sap either in solution form or dispersed in
a colloidal state. on drying the drug, such dissolved
or colloidal dispersed matter is either precipitated,
crystallized and deposited in a amorphous in cell
structure.
The cell wall consists of cellulose and these
molecules being polar, there is a natural affinity for
polar solvents, In the presence of polar solvents, the
cellulose walls get hydrated or solvated and swell.
This is why moistening of the drug with the
menstrum is an important stage in extraction.
Swelling or Imbibition is maximum in polar solvents.
Mobility of liquids through a crude drug is generally
diffusion [Link] may be termed as
Endosmoisis.
As the solution with in the cell becomes stronger, a
differential concentration is set up with in and out of
the cell. This causes the stronger solution to diffuse
out of the cell until equilibrium is reached and this
phenomenon is called Exosmosis. The movement

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of molecules through pores and capillaries present in

natural system depend on:
a. Surface tension
b. Wetting properties of liquid
c. Displacement of air entrapped in
capillaries
The Entire process of drug extraction can be divided
into four steps
1. Penetration of the solvent into the drug.
2. Dissolution of constituents
3. Outward diffusion of the solution from
the cells
4. Separation of dissolved portion and the
exhausted drug
The Efficiency of drug extraction depends on
following steps
a. Nature and properties of drug and its
extractable constituents
b. Particle size of powdered drug
c. Nature of solvent
d. State of contact between the solvent and
drug particles.
The physical properties which effect the drug
extraction are:
1. Gravitation
2. Diffusion
3. Osmosis
4. Adhesion
5. Capillarity
6. Convection
7. Solubility
8. Surface tension
Wetting property of solvent can be improved by
displacing the air entrapped in the capillaries and also
by using surface active agent. Surfactant can increase
the solubility by means of solubilization. The
advantages of performing the extraction at the higher
temperatures are:
a. Decreases viscosity which decreases the
boundary layers
b. Convection currents have similar effects to
agitation which increases the solubility
c. Solubility increases due to rise in
temperature.
Different Methods of Extraction Processes (1)
There are many types of extraction processes and
these are selected based on the type of drug to be
isolated and the flow chart for the types of extraction
is given below

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EXTRACTION PROCESS

INFUSION

Fresh Infusion

Simple
Maceration

DECOCTION

MACERATION

PERCOLATION

DIGESTION

Concentrated
Infusion

Maceratiojn
with Adjustment

Multiple
Maceration

Simple
Percolation

Percolation
process for
Concentrated
Preparations

Reserved
Percolation
process

Continuous
Percolation process

Modified
Percolation
process

Fig 1: Different Methods of Extraction Processes

ii) To provide the time for partitioning the active
1. Maceration
ingredient into the solvent and
Principle:
In this process solid ingredients are placed in a
iii) To transfer the drug out of the cells into the bulk
stoppered container with the whole of the solvent and
of the solvent.
allowed to stand for a period of at least 3 days (3 - 7
Frequent agitation is required to reduce the localized
days) with frequent agitation, until soluble matter is
concentration around the cells and tissues.
dissolved. The mixture is then strained (through
As indicated in the pharmacopoeia the process
sieves / nets), the marc pressed and the combined
consists of the following:
liquids clarified (cleaned by filtration) or by
Placing the solid materials with whole menstrum
decantation, after standing. Stoppered container is
in the closed vessel and allowed to stand for 7
generally taken to reduce the loss of solvents by
days shaking occasionally.
evaporation. If the volume of solvent is reduced by
Strained, pressed the marc and the liquid is
evaporation then the extract may become
obtained.
concentrated, which may not be desired [3].
Liquid (i.e. the extract) is clarified by subsidence
The drug is allowed to stand for few days
or filtration.
i) To help the solvent to penetrate the cells of the
drugs,

Fig 2: Maceration Process

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The process is normally used for the preparation of

tinctures or extracts and menstrum is usually
alcoholic, hydro alcoholic (in case of tinctures) or
may be aqueous.
A. Simple maceration - a process for tinctures
made from organized drugs e.g. roots, stems,
leaves etc.
B. Maceration with adjustment - a process for
tinctures made from unorganized drugs such as
oleo-resins and gum resins.
C. Multiple maceration - a process to prepare
concentrated extract. It includes Double
maceration and Triple maceration.
A. Simple Maceration
Organized drugs having specific cell structures like
roots, stems, leaves, flowers etc. are extracted by this
procedure.
Apparatus
A wide mouthed bottle or any other container which
can be well stoppered can be used for maceration
process. A closed container is essential to prevent the
evaporation of menstruum which is mostly
concentrated alcohol. Otherwise this may lead to
variation in strength as no adjustment in volume is
made.
Method
Water or alcohol is used as menstruum and the drug
menstruum ratio is 1: 10.
The drug is placed with the whole of the
menstruum in a closed vessel for seven days.
During this period shaking is done occasionally.
After 7 days the liquid is strained and marc is
pressed.
The expressed liquid is mixed with strained
liquid.
It is then filtered to make a clear liquid.
The final volume is not adjusted.
Explanation
1. Shaking of the drug during maceration is
essential in order to replace the saturated layers
around the drug with fresh menstruum.
2. After straining, the marc is pressed in a filter
press, hydraulic press or hand press etc. The marc can
be squeezed out of a fine muslin piece, when the
quantity of the drug is very small.
3. The pressed liquid is mixed with the strained
liquid and then filtered. No final adjustment is made,
since the volume of pressed liquid is likely to vary
with the process of pressing the marc. If the final
adjustment in volume is made, it will give variation
in the concentration of active principle although the
volume of the final preparation may be the same.
4. Filtration is necessary to remove insoluble cell
contents obtained during the pressing of marc.
Examples: The tinctures made by simple maceration
process are-

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1. Tincture of Orange
2. Tincture of Lemon
3. Tincture of Squill
B. Maceration with Adjustment
The process is used for unorganized drugs.
Apparatus: Same as simple maceration.
Method:
In this process the unorganized drug is placed
with 4/5 th of the menstruum in a closed vessel
for a period of 2-7 days. During this period,
shaking is done occasionally .
After the stated period, the liquid is filtered and
the volume is made up by passing the remaining 1 / 5
the of the menstruum through the filter.
The marc is not pressed.
Explanation
1. The period of maceration is reduced from 7 to 2
days in some cases, because the unorganized
drugs behave like simple chemicals that dissolve
in the solvent very easily and quickly.
2. 4/5th of the menstruum is used to keep the drug
in contact with it in order to take into account the
increase in volume after dissolving the soluble
matter of the drug. The volume is made up at the
end with 1/5th of the menstruum remained.
3. The marc left is a compact gummy matter. It
does not retain the menstruum and hence it is not
necessary to press the marc.
4. The final volume is made up because all the
active constituents of drug get dissolved in the
menstruum. Marc is not pressed. hence, there is
no change in the concentration of the preparation
in case the final volume is made up.
Example
1. Tincture of Tolu
2. Compound tincture of Benzoin.
C. MULTIPLE MACERATION
Multiple maceration process is carried out in the
same way as simple maceration process, but the
menstruum used is divided into two parts in double
maceration process and three parts in triple
maceration process
I. Double maceration process:
In this process, the drug is macerated twice by using
the menstruum which is divided into two parts in
such a manner that the same volume is used for each
maceration. The quantity of menstruum required for
two macerations are calculated as follows:
Volume of menstrum required for first
maceration= Total vol. of menstrum Vol. to be
retained by the drug/2
+ Vol. to be retained
by the drug
Volume of menstruum required for second maceration
=Total vol. of menstruum Vol. of menstruum
used in first maceration

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The volume of menstruum to be retained by the drug

is determined by experiment, in a test batch of drug
by adding a known volume of menstruum to known
weight of the drug. After maceration, straining and
pressing of the marc, measured volume volume of
liquid is obtained. Difference in the volume and the
volume used represents the volume retained by the
weighable quantity of the drug used.
In double maceration process, the whole of the
drug is macerated for 48 hours with the quantity
of the menstruum required for first maceration.
The liquid is strained and the marc is pressed.
The marc is macerated again for 24 hours with
the remaining menstruum required for second
maceration.
The liquid is strained and and the marc is
pressed.
First and the second liquid is mixed and allowed
to stand for 14 days and then filter.
Examples:
The following concentrated infusions are prepared by
double maceration process:
1. Concentrated infusion of orange.
2. Concentrated compound infusion of chirata.
3. Concentrated compound infusion of gentian.
II. Triple maceration process
In this maceration process, the drug is macerated
thrice by using the menstruum which is divided into
three parts in such a manner that the same volume for
three parts in such a manner that the same volume is
used for each [Link] quantity of menstruum
required for three macerations is calculateas follows:
Volume of menstruum required for first
maceration = Total vol. of menstruum Vol. to
be retained by the drug / 3
+Vol. to be
retained by the drug

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90 % alcohol equal to 1/4th of the volume of the

finished product is added.
Volume adjusted with water and allowed to
stand for 14 days and then filtered.
Examples
The following concentrated infusions are prepared by
triple maceration process:
1. Concentrated Infusion of Quassia
2. Liquid Extract of Senna
2. PERCOLATION PROCESS [5-8]
A. Simple percolation process
B. Percolation process for concentrated preparations
I) Reserved percolation
II) Modified percolation
C. Continuous hot percolation / Soxhlet Extraction /
Soxhlation
A. SIMPLE PERCOLATION
Apparatus:
Three types of apparatus are generally used,
i) Conical percolator
ii) Cylindrical percolator
iii) Steam jacketed percolator [for higher
temperature extraction]
Conical Percolator
It is generally made of glass (or) metal usually copper
which is tinned inside. It is conical in shape having
the lower diameter not less than half of the upper
diameter. There are less chance of choking of conical
percolator incase the drug swells up, because a drug
can slope against the walls of the percolator.

Volume of menstruum required for 2nd and 3rd

maceration= Total vol. of menstruum Vol. of
menstruum used in first maceration/2

The whole of the drug is macerated for one hour

with part of menstruum required for first
maceration and strained.
The marc is macerated again for one hour with
the part of the menstruum required for 2nd
maceration and strained.
The marc is macerated again for one hour with
the part of the menstruum required for 3rd
maceration and strained.
The marc is pressed lightly.
The liquid obtained from 2nd and 3rd maceration
is pooled and evaporated to a specified
concentration. This concentrated liquid is mixed
with the liquid obtained from the 1st maceration.

[Link]

Fig 3: Conical Percolator

Disadvanges
1. Loss of menstrum due to evaporation because of
its uppe4r bigger diameter.
Cylindrical Percolator
This percolator is cylindrical in shape. It is having
two diameters i.e. upper and lower diameter. The
chances of choking are very less when the drug
swells up. Higher alcohol (or) any volatile solvents is
used as menstrum.

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Fig 4: Cylindrical Percolator

Steam Jacketed Percolator
The percolator is subjected to high temperature in
order to increase the solvent action of menstrum. The
percolator is heated by steam.

Fig 5: Steam Jacketed Percolator

Stages:
[Link] Reduction:
The drug to be extracted is subjected to suitable
degree of size reduction, usually from coarse powder
to fine powder, to
i) Increase the surface area of the drug exposed to
the menstrum,
ii) For uniform packing of the percolator,
iii) To slow down the movement of the menstrum
and
iv) To ensure complete exhaustion of the drug.

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[Link]:
During imbibition the powdered drug is moistened
with a suitable amount of menstruum and allowed to
stand for four hours in a well closed container.
During this period the drug swells up as the
menstruum penetrates the cell walls. The preliminary
moistening of the drug is necessary because:
the dried tissue swells when it comes in contact with
the menstruum but if packed in the dry condition
subsequent swelling will reduce the porosity of the
material and choke the percolator, the air present in
the interstices is removed by menstruum, which will
otherwise disturb the packing of the percolator due to
which the menstruum will run through the channels
results in inefficient extraction,
i) it does not allow the fine particles to be washed
out of the percolator during percolation.
[Link]:
After imbibition the moistened drug is evenly packed
into the percolator. Cotton wool or fibres of flax;
previously moistened with menstrum is placed on the
perforated plate of the percolator.
The packing should not be too tight, it will lead to
slow extraction rate. Similarly, loose packing will
allow the menstrum to pass through quickly resulting
in incomplete contact with the drug.
The drug should occupy 2/3rd capacity of the
percolator. After packing , a piece of filter paper is
placed over top of the bed, on which small quantity
of washed sand is placed to prevent disturbance of
the packed material.
4. Maceration:
After packing sufficient menstrum is added to
saturate the material. When the liquid begins to drip
from the bottom of the percolator, the tap fitted at its
bottom is closed. More menstrum is added if
required, so that a shallow layer of menstrum is
maintained over the drug bed.
The percolator is allowed to stand for 24 hours to
macerate the drug.
[Link]:
After 24 hours maceration, the lower tap is opened
and liquid collected therein is allowed to drip slowly
at a controlled rate until 3/4th volume of the finished
product is obtained.
Sufficient amount of menstrum is simultaneously
added over the drug because at no time packed
material should be allowed to become dry. After
collecting 3/4 th volume, the percolate is tested for
complete exhaustion of the drug by various tests.
Tests to check complete exhaustion of the drug:

Fig 6: Packing of Percolator

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i)

Take a few ml of the last percolate and evaporate

to dryness, it no residue remains - it shows that
the drug is completely exhausted.
ii) The specific gravity of last few ml of percolate is
measured. If it is equal to the specific gravity of
the fresh menstrum the exhaustion is taken to be
complete.
iii) Specific chemical tests may be performed on the
percolate for the drugs containing alkaloids,
glycosides, tannins, resins or bitter constituents.
The marc is then pressed and the expressed
liquid is added to the already collected percolate.
More menstruum is added to produce the
required volume.
The liquid is then allowed to stand to settle the
suspended particles, decanted or clarified by
filtration.
Examples:
i) Tincture of belladonna
ii) Compound tincture of cardamom
iii) Strong tincture of ginger etc.
2. Percolation
process for concentrated
preparations

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Example:
Liquid extract of liquorice
Advantages:
i) The reserved part of the percolate which contains
the maximum amount of dissolved active
principles is not subjected to heat, only the dilute
portion is evaporated. Hence, the major portions
of the active constituents of the drug are saved
from deterioration.
ii) The process is economical as the whole of the
percolate is not evaporated.
II) MODIFIED PERCOLATION
In percolation process for preparation of tinctures the
drug/percolate (d/p) ratio is about 1:4. The d/p ratio is
reduced to 1:3 by modifying the percolation process
and hence, there is a lot of saving in heat, time and
menstrum.
Percolation is a displacement process. The strong
solution of active constituents of drug formed during
maceration is displaced by the fresh menstrum when
percolation process is started. It is proved that
stationary menstruum (menstruum remaining in
contact with the drug) dissolves more menstruum is
required to exhaust the drug when simple percolation
is used. But if continuous percolation stage has
suitable breaks by short maceration stages, the d/p
ratio can be reduced to 1:3.
Example:
In simple percolation process:
Drug
Imbibition Maceration

Percolation

(1000

collect the

(for 4 hrs)

(for 24 hrs)

g)

and

percolate, i.e. 3/4 the

of the
volume of finished preparation

Drug : Percolate = 1000 g : 4000 ml = 1 : 4

In modified percolation process:
Fig 7: Percolation Process
I) RESERVE PERCOLATION
In this process, the first portion (about 3/4 th of
the final product) of the percolate which contains
the maximum amount of active constituents is
reserved. Subsequently, percolation is completed
as usual until the drug is exhausted but the last
part (about 1/4th of the final product) is collected
separately.
The second dilute part is then evaporated to get a
syrupy consistency which is then mixed with the
reserved first portion of the percolate.
Finally volume is adjusted by adding more
menstrum.

[Link]

Drug

Imbibitio

Maceration

Percolation and collect

(1000g)

n(for

(for 24 hrs)

1000 ml of percolate

Maceration

Percolation & collect

(for 12 hrs)

1000 ml of percolate

Maceration

Percolation & collect

(for 12 hrs)

1000 ml of percolate

hrs)

Drug: Percolate = 1000 g: 3000 ml = 1: 3

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3. CONTINUOUS HOT PERCOLATION

PROCESS / SOXHLET EXTRACTION /
SOXHLATION [2]
This process is used for those drugs
where the penetration of the menstruum into the
cellular tissues is very slow and
the solute is not readily soluble into the solvent
and
the quantity of the menstruum is very less.
In such cases Soxhlet extractor is used where small
volume of hot menstruum is passed over the drug
time and again to dissolve out the active constituents
until the drug is exhausted. The process is known as
Soxhlation.
Apparatus:
i) A flask in which the menstrum is boiled,
ii) an extraction chamber in which drug is filled, is
fitted with side tube and a siphon.
iii) a condenser.
The drug to be extracted, in suitably comminuted
form is usually packed in a thimble made of filter

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paper which is then placed into the wider part of the

extractor.
N.B. thimble is used to prevent choking of the lower
part of the extractor.
Menstruum is placed in the flask and boiled. The
vapor rises through the side tube to the condenser,
where the vapor is condensed and fall on the packed
drug, through which it percolates and extract out the
active constituents.
As the volume of menstruum in the extractor
increases, the level of liquid in the siphon also
increases till it reaches the maximum point from
where it is siphoned out into the flask.
On further heating the menstruum vaporizes while
the dissolved active constituents remain behind in the
flask. The alternate filling and emptying of the body
of the extractor goes on continuously till the drug is
exhausted. Thus the same quantity of menstruum is
made to percolate repeatedly, about 14 to 15 times
through the drug and the active constituents are
collected
in
the
flask.

Fig 8: Soxhelet Extractors

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Limitations of continuous hot percolation process:

1. Physical character of the drug: If the physical
character of the drug is such that it would block
the soxhlet apparatus then this method is not
suitable. e.g opium, gum, resin, orange peel etc.
2. Solvent: Only pure solvents or constant boiling
mixtures (like alcohol-water)can be used for this
purpose.
3. Chemical constituents of the drug: The process is
unsuitable for thermolabile active constituents, e.g.
enzymes, alkaloids, anthraquinone derivatives, esters
etc.
Examples:
Soxhlation process of extraction is used to
i) Extract cantharidins from cantharides with
benzene
ii) Alkaloids from the seeds.
3. INFUSION [4]
This method is used for those drugs
i) which are soft in nature so that water may
penetrate easily to the tissues and
ii) the active constituents are water soluble.
Apparatus:
Coffee-pot or tea-pot is the simplest form of
apparatus used for preparing infusion. Sometimes
special pots known as infusion pots are used for the
preparation of infusions. It consists of a loose
perforated shelf resting on a projection near the top of
the pot.
Method:
In coffee-pot or tea-pot:
i) The drug is placed at the bottom of the pot.
Water is added and it is well stirred three or four
times during the period of infusion.
ii) Infusion can also be prepared by enclosing the
drug in a muslin bag and then suspending it just
below the level of water in a beaker. Stirring is not
required in this case because the water slowly
circulates due to the increase in specific gravity of
water near the drug.
In infusion pot:
The drug is placed on the perforated shelf. The pot is
filled with water and the perforated shelf is adjusted
below the surface of water.

Fig 8: Infusion Apparatus

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Final volume is not adjusted.

There are two types of infusions:
1. Fresh infusion,
2. Concentrated infusion
I. Fresh infusions:
A fresh infusion is an aqueous solution of active
constituents of a vegetable drug prepared by the
process of infusion e.g. Fresh infusion of Quassia.
Coarse powder of drug is used in the preparation of
infusion. Water is used as menstruum.
Pharmacopoeia states that fresh infusion should be
used within 12 hours after its preparation because it
gets spoiled due to fungal or bacterial growth.
[Link] infusions
Concentrated infusions differ from fresh infusions in
that the concentrated infusions are prepared by
maceration or percolation process and alcohol is used
either as a menstruum or as a preservative.
An infusion containing 20 - 25 % alcohol can be
stored for sufficiently long time.
e.g. Concentrated compound infusion of chirata and
Concentrated compound infusion of gentian.
3. DECOCTION [4]
Decoction is the process in which the water soluble
and heat stable constituents of hard and woody crude
drugs are extracted out.
Water is used as menstrum and the drug, cut in small
pieces, is boiled with the menstrum for 10 to 15
minutes.
After boiling, the liquid is cooled and filtered, more
water is passed through the marc to produce the
required volume.
Adjustment to final volume is necessary to get a
uniform product.
A freshly prepared decoction should only be
dispensed and the same must be consumed within 24
hours.
At present no decoction is official in IP or BP.
4. DIGESTION [4]
This process is a modified form of maceration where
the 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.
Apparatus: The apparatus is known as Digestor is
a vessel made up of metal. The whole of the drug is
placed in the body of the digestor placed the cover
over it and bolted it with the help of nuts.
The drug is treated with menstrum for a definite
period under specified condition of temperature and
pressure.
ii) No solvent residues.
iii) Environmentally friendly extraction procedure.

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T. Balakrishna et al

The largest area of growth in the development of

SFE has been the rapid expansion of its
applications. SFE finds extensive application in
the extraction of pesticides, environmental
samples, foods and fragrances, essential oils,

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polymers and natural products. The major

deterrent in the commercial application of the
extraction process is its prohibitive capital
investment.

Table 1: Difference between Maceration and Percolation

SNO
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

MACERATION
Both drug and solvent are mixed
together &kept aside for 7-14 days.
Duration time is more
There is no necessity of the drug to be
packed
More amount of menstrum is required
Doesnt require temperature, Except
Digestion
More API cannot be extracted
The clarity of the preparation is low

PERCOLATION
The solvent is allowed to pass through the column of the drug
Duration time is Less
The drug should be packed in layer to get rid of air gaps
Less amount of menstrum is required
Heat is required
Maximum possible amount of API can be extracted
The clarity of the preparation is low

Table 2: Differences between Infusion and Decoction

SNO
1

ITEM
Plant

INFUSION
Soft structures (Eg:Senna Leaves)

2
3

Menstrum
Procedure

Time

Boiling (or) Cold Water

Infusing the drug with cold or hot
water
Calculated as soon as water is added

Adjustment
volume
Apparatus
Storage

6
7

of

final

No adjustment
Infusion earthware pot
Used fresh within 12 Hours

DECOCTION
Hard Woody structures(Eg:cinchona
bark)
Boiling Water
Boiling the drug with water
Calculated as soon as water begins to
boil.
Adjustment is necessary
Any covered apparatus
Used fresh and when stored in
refrigerator used within few days

Table 3: Difference between Organized Drugs and Unorganized Drugs

SNO
1
2
3
4
5

MACERATION FOR ORGANIZED DRUGS

Drug + entire volume of menstrum
Shake occasionally for 7 Days
Strain the liquid, press the marc
Mix the liquids clarify by filtration. final volume is
not adjusted.
Examples : Vinegar of squill,oxymel of
squill,tincture of orange, tincture of lemon,
tincture of squill

[Link]

MACERATION FOR UNORGANIZED DRUGS

Drug + 4/5 of menstrum
Shake occasionally for 2-7 Days
Decant liquid, marc is not pressed
Filter the liquid final volume is adjusted by adding
remaining amount of menstrum
Examples: Tincture of benzoin, Tincture ofMyrrh,
Tincture of tolu.

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T. Balakrishna et al

FACTORS AFFECTING THE CHOICE OF AN

EXTRACTION PROCESS [9-10]
The final choice of the process to be used for the
extraction of a drug will depend on a number of
factors. They include:
1. Character of the drug
2. Therapeutic value of the drug
3. Stability of the drug
4. Cost of the drug
5. Solvent
6. Concentration of the drug
Character of the Drug
Knowledge of pharmacognosy of the drug to be
extracted is essential for the selection of the
extraction process that will give the best results.
If the drug is hard and tough (such as Nux
vomica), use percolation process.
If the drug is soft and parenchymatous (such as
Gelatin), use maceration process.
If the drug cannot be powdered easily (such as
Squill), use maceration process.
If the drug is unorganized (such as Benzoin), use
maceration process.
Therapeutic Value of the Drug
Maceration is considered suitable if the drug has little
therapeutic value.
E.g. flavors (Lemon) and bitters (Gentain)
Percolation is used if the drug has considerable
therapeutic value and maximum extraction is
required.
E.g. Belladonna
Stability of the Drug
Continuous extraction should be avoided when the
constituents of the drug are thermos-labile.
Cost of the Drug
In the case of costly drugs (e.g. Ginger), percolation
is economical but for cheaper drugs maceration is
good enough. Due consideration has to be given to
the cost of the drug and the cost involved in
communication for the best possible extraction of the
constituents.
Solvent
If water is used as a solvent, then maceration process
should be recommended. The percolation process
should be preferred if non-aqueous solvents are used
for extraction. If the desired active constituents of
drug demand a solvent other than a pure boiling
solvent or an azeotrope, then continuous extraction
should be avoided and reserve percolation process
may be used.
Concentration of the Product

Dilute products such as Tinctures can be

made by using maceration or percolation
process, depending on the other factors.

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For semi-concentrated preparations, such as

concentrated infusions, double or triple
maceration process can be used.
For liquid extracts or dry extracts which are
concentrated preparations, percolation process is
used.
However, continuous extraction can be used if the
solvent is suitable and the constituents are heat stable.
CONCLUSIONS:
In present review both maceration and percolation are
suitable methods for the isolation active constituents
from crude drugs by using various [Link]
obtained by this methods are used as pharmaceutical
excipients in Pharmaceutical Formulations.
REFERENCES:
[Link] SS, Khanuja SPS, Longo G, Rakesh DD.
Extraction Technologies for Medicinal and Aromatic
Plants. International centre for science and high
technology, Trieste, 2008; 21- 5.
[Link] N, Garai R, Sharma US, Sharma UK.
Anthelmintic activity of Platycladus orientalis leaves
extract. International Journal of Parasitology
Research. 2010; 2(2): 1-3.
[Link]. The Indian Pharmacopoeia. Govt. of
India publication, New Delhi, 1966; 947-950.
[Link] M. Comparison of different extraction
methods for the extraction of major bioactive
flavonoid compounds from spearmint (Mentha
spicata L.) leaves. Food Bioprod Process., 2010; 1-6.
[Link] MM. Plant products as antimicrobial agents.
Clinical microbiology reviews., 1999; 12(4): 564582.
[Link],
K.,
2002,
Pharmaceutical
Engineering Reprint, New Age International (P.)
Ltd., New Delhi, p. 173-194
[Link], J., Bagchi, G. D., and Khanuja, S. P .S.,
2003, Manufacturing and quality control of
Ayurvedic and herbal preparations, In: Verpoorte, R.
and Mukherjee, P. K.(Eds), GMP for Botanicals,
Regulatory and Quality Issues on Phytomedicine (1st
Edition), Business Horizons, New Delhi, p. 201-230
[Link], F. G., Konigswinter, B. S., and Blasius,
H., 2003, Herbal Medicinal Products,Medpharm,
Stuttgart, Germany and CRS Press, London, p. 48-54.
[Link] Jain & SN Sharma, Text book of profession of
pharmacy, (5)113-125.
[Link]. United states of pharmacopoeia
(USP) Govt. of India publication, New Delhi, 2007;
1489.

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