What are herbal extracts?
Herbal extracts are concentrated forms of active substances obtained from plants. The extraction process allows the most valuable substances with antioxidant, soothing, anti-inflammatory, and toning properties to be extracted from plant raw materials. Several methods were used in the extraction of medicinal plants such as maceration, infusion, decoction, percolation, digestion and Soxhlet extraction, superficial extraction, ultrasound-assisted, and microwave-assisted extraction.Solvent extraction is the most widely used method. The extraction of natural products progresses through the following stages: (1) the solvent penetrates into the solid matrix; (2) the solute dissolves in the solvents; (3) the solute is diffused out of the solid matrix; (4) the extracted solutes are collected.Extraction is the first step to separate the desired natural products from the raw materials. Extraction methods include solvent extraction, distillation method, pressing and sublimation according to the extraction principle. Solvent extraction is the most widely used method.
Are herbal extracts safe?
But being natural doesn’t necessarily mean they’re safe for you to take. Just like conventional medicines, herbal medicines will have an effect on the body, and can be potentially harmful if not used correctly. They should therefore be used with the same care and respect as conventional medicines. Herbal medicines can be mistakenly thought to be completely safe because they are ‘natural’ products. This is not always correct. Herbal medicines may produce negative effects that can range from mild to severe, including: allergic reactions and rashes.Generally speaking, herbal remedies are safe but sometimes they cause side-effects. These can include stomach upsets, sleeplessness and pains in your muscles or joints. Some herbal remedies may also interact with your prescribed medication.Some herbal supplements can contain ingredients that are known to cause kidney damage, like aristolochic acid (banned in many countries but still present in some traditional remedies). Some herbal supplements leave your body through your kidneys. So, your body may develop toxic levels if you have kidney disease.
How to preserve herbal extracts?
Storing Herbal-Infused Oils and Salves Herbal-infused oils and salves will typically last two to three years when refrigerated and one year unrefrigerated, depending on the stability of the oil used. Using dried herbs will greatly increase the shelf life of your herbal-infused oils. And though they might last longer than their fresh counterparts, dried herbs do have a shelf life, and will lose their potency over time. Replace them at least once a year if you don’t run out before then.They can lose potency and oxidize over time, compromising quality, but they do not expire like perishable foods.Some might consider salt in this category, too—but salt is unique in the regard that it can be used indefinitely. Dried herbs: These last for 1-3 years, and include favorites like basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, bay leaves, dill, parsley and mint.
Are herbal extracts more potent?
More about Herbal Extracts The process is done so that many nutrients, active ingredients, and volatile compounds are removed, leaving only the water-soluble compounds. As a result, the process makes them more potent than whole herbs. This can be especially useful for some people. Extracts. Extracts are more potent than tinctures because they use a higher herb-to-solvent ratio, often 1 kilogram of dried herb per liter of solvent.These standardized extracts are not necessarily more concentrated than the whole herbs, but they do maintain a minimum potency of these markers.The soaking process extracts the active components of the herb or herbs. Alcohol is often the liquid of choice, as it can extract components, such as resins and alkaloids, that are not water-soluble. People usually take tinctures orally by using a dropper to place the liquid under their tongue.
How big is the herbal extract market?
The global herbal extract market size was estimated at USD 29,863. USD 53,434. CAGR of 8. European Union is the biggest market in global herbal products. Indian products to other countries like Germany, France, Italy and Netherland have also increased.