The extraction of active plant ingredients is an ancient science that has been practised since ancient times. Extraction processes have evolved over time and many methods have been developed to extract plant actives from plants. The most common extraction processes are distillation, expression and maceration. The extraction of plant actives is an important step in the manufacture of many cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Plant actives extracted from plants are used in many cosmetic products, including perfumes, lotions, skin care oils, creams and shampoos. They are also used in many pharmaceutical products.
Isolating active compounds from plants
Plant extracts are used to isolate active compounds from plants. These compounds are then used to make medicines, cosmetics or foods. Plants contain thousands of different compounds, some of which are active in the human body. The processes for extracting active plant ingredients are many and varied, but they all have the common goal of isolating the active compounds from plants so that they can be used in cosmetic products. Extraction processes allow the most active compounds to be selected and concentrated.
The most commonly used are :
Steam distillation;
Maceration;
Solvent extraction;
Cold pressing.
For oils, such as CBD hemp oil, the most commonly used process is cold pressing, but carbon dioxide extraction and solvent extraction are also sometimes used.
Advantages and disadvantages of the different processes
Each of these extraction processes has its own advantages and disadvantages, which will be detailed below.
Steam distillation
This is the most common extraction process. It consists of heating the plant to be extracted in water, so that the active compounds vaporise. The steam is then condensed to obtain a concentrate of active plant ingredients.
Advantages
The process is simple and inexpensive;
It allows a large quantity of active plant ingredients to be extracted.
Disadvantages
Some compounds can deteriorate under heat;
Extraction is less effective for plants with a high content of fat-soluble compounds.
Maceration
Maceration is a gentler extraction process than steam distillation. It consists of leaving the plant to macerate in a medium for several weeks, so that the active compounds diffuse into the medium. The carrier is then filtered to separate the plants from the active compounds.
Advantages
The process is simple;
It is suitable for plants with a high content of fat-soluble compounds.
Disadvantages
Extraction takes longer;
A large volume of media is required.
Solvent extraction
Solvent extraction involves using a solvent to extract the active compounds from a plant. This process is generally used to extract fat-soluble compounds, such as essential oils.
Advantages
The process is suitable for plants with a high content of fat-soluble compounds;
Extraction is faster than maceration.
Disadvantages
Some solvents can deteriorate the active compounds;
The process is more expensive than maceration.
Cold pressing
Cold pressing is an extraction process that consists of pressing the plant to be extracted cold, so as not to alter the active compounds. This process is generally used to extract essential oils.
Advantages
The process is suitable for plants with a high content of fat-soluble compounds;
Extraction is faster than maceration.
Disadvantages
Some compounds are sensitive to pressure;
The process is more expensive than maceration.
Powder, oil or tincture
Plant extracts can then be used as a powder, oil or tincture. Powders are generally used in cosmetics, as exfoliants or for their absorbency. Oils are often used in aromatherapy and tinctures are more commonly used in phytotherapy. Plant extracts are usually very concentrated and can therefore be used sparingly.
