Conventional methods of extraction include infusion, decoction, maceration, percolation, and continuous hot extraction. Infusion and decoction involve extracting soluble components from plants using water. Maceration involves placing plant material in a solvent for an extended period of time. Multiple maceration processes, like double or triple maceration, extract plant material with the solvent divided into multiple portions over different intervals. Modern extraction methods include supercritical fluid extraction, counter current extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and ultrasonication-assisted extraction.

1. CONVENTIONAL METHODS OF
EXTRACTION
Dr Kusum Akki
Associate professor
KLE College of Pharmacy
Hubballi

2. Extraction
 Extraction may be defined as the separation of
medicinally active portions of plant or animal tissues
from the inactive or inert components by using selective
solvents.
 In this method the wanted components are dissolved by
the use of selective solvents known as menstrum &
undissolved part is a marc. After the extraction unwanted
matter is removed. Extracts are prepared by using ethanol
or other suitable solvent.

3. • Infusion
• Decoction
• Maceration Conventional
• Percolation
• Continues hot extraction
• Supercritical fluid extraction
• Counter current extraction Modern
• Microwave assisted extraction
• Ultrasonication-Assisted Extraction
Methods
of
extraction

4. Infusion
Infusions are prepared by macerating the crude drug for a short period of
time with cold or boiling water. These are dilute solutions of the readily
soluble constituents of crude drugs.
e.g. Infusion of orange ,Concentrated infusion of Quassia
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. e.g. Tea , Coffee

5. Maceration
In this process the crude drug are placed in a stoppered container with the whole of
the menstruum and allowed to stand for a period of at least 3 days (3 - 7 days) with
occasional stirring. The mixture is then strained, the marc pressed and the combined
liquids filtered to make a clear liquid.
Maceration Processes
1. A process for tincture made from organised drug e.g. roots, stem, leaves etc. This
process is called ‘Simple Maceration’.
2. A process for tincture made from unorganised drugs such as oleo resins and gum
resins. This process is known as ‘Maceration with Adjustment’.
3. Process for concentrated preparations which includes both ‘Double maceration’
and ‘Triple maceration’

6. SIMPLE MACERATION
Maceration process for organized drugs e.g. roots, stems, leaves etc.
 The drug is placed with the menstruum in a closed vessel for seven
days.
 During this period shaking is done occasionally.
 After seven days, the liquid is strained & marc is pressed.
 The expressed liquid is mixed with strained liquid and filtered to
obtain a clear liquid.
 The final volume is not adjusted.

7. MACERATION WITH ADJUSTMENT
Maceration process for Unorganized drugs e.g. Gum, Resins,
Gum-resins, Oleo gum-resins.
 In this process, the unorganized drug is placed with 4/5 th
volume of menstruum in a closed vessel for seven days.
 During this period shaking is done occasionally.
 After the stated period, the liquid is filtered & the marc is not
pressed.
 After that, the final volume is adjusted with the remaining
quantity of 1/5 th volume of menstruum through the filter

8. MULTIPLE MACERATION PROCESS
 DOUBLE MACERATION PROCESS:
• It is carried out in the same way as simple maceration process, but menstruum
used in divided into two parts.
• In that process drug is macerated twice by using the menstruum which is divided
into two parts in a such manner that the same volume is used for each maceration.
• The volume of menstruum required is calculated as follows
i. Volume of menstruum req. for first maceration = Total Vol.of menstruum - Vol.to
be retained by the drug/2 + Vol.to be retained by the drug
ii. Volume of menstruum req. for second maceration Total vol.of menstrum – Vol.
of menstruum used in first maceration

9. • In that process the whole drug is macerated for 48 hrs with quantity
of menstruum for first maceration.
• Strain the liquid & press the marc after 48 hrs.
• Then again macerated for 24 hrs with remaining quty. of
menstruum for second maceration.
• Strain the liquid & press the marc after 24 hrs.
• Then mix the liquids obtained from the two maceration & allows it
to stand for 14 days & then filter.
e.g. Concentrated infusion of orange, Concentrated compound
infusion of chirata and Concentrated compound infusion of gentian

10.  TRIPLE MACERATION PROCESS
• It is carried out in the same way as simple maceration process, but
menstruum used in divided into three parts in a such manner that the
same volume is used for each maceration.
• The volume of menstruum required is calculated as follows
i. Volume of menstruum req. for first maceration Total Vol.of
menstruum - Vol.to be retained by the drug/3+ Vol.to be retained by
the drug
i. Volume of menstruum req. for 2 nd & 3 rd maceration Total vol.of
menstrum – Vol. of menstruum used in first maceration /2

11. • In that the drug is macerated for one hour with a part of menstruum req. for first
maceration & strained.
• Macerated again for one hour with a part of menstruum for second maceration &
strained.
• Macerated again for one hour with a part of menstruum for third maceration &
strained. After that, marc is pressed lightly.
• Then combine the liquids obtained from 2 nd & 3 rd maceration & evaporated it
to a specified extent.
• Then, mix it with the liquid obtained from 1 st maceration & add alcohol 90%
equal to 1/4 th of the volume of the finished product.
• Then adjust the volume with water.
• Allow this solution for 14 days & then filter. e.g. Concentrated infusion of
Quassia, Liquid extract of senna