Basics of Extraction and Isolation of Phytoconstituents

Abstract

The aim of the chapter is to shed light on the basics of extraction and isolation of phytoconstituents from medicinal plants. Approximately 20% of plants have been studied for medicinal research, producing promising results for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. These medical effects need well developed extraction and isolation of plant bioactive component. Infusion, decoction, liquid, semisolid, tincture, and powdered extracts are used. To eliminate inert components and obtain therapeutic effects, a solvent (menstruum) is needed. Extraction efficiency depends on solvent optimization. Non-thermal pulsed electric field (PEF) extraction is best for thermolabile chemicals.  For polysaccharide extraction, enzyme assisted extraction (EAE) is recommended. Steam and hydrodistillation are used to extract volatile oils. To get the active component, the extract must be isolated and purified. Analytical chemistry requires many ways to characterize isolated materials. This discipline uses classical and instrumental approaches.  Thus, depending on the contents, multiple extraction and isolation procedures may be improved, and the isolate can be recognized using various characterization methods. Therefore, based on the type of constituents to be obtained various methods of extraction and isolation can be optimized and the obtained isolate can be identified via various characterization technique.