All about plant extraction (1/5)

PLANT EXTRACTION
AN ACTIVITY BASED ON RIGOROUS STANDARDS

We are dedicated to extracting active principles from plants. However, the term "extract" is often improperly used, since not all separation processes enable obtaining a plant extract. Through Berkem's exacting approach, you will learn just how extensive the company's contribution is.

Figure 2: Diagram of a solid-liquid extraction

An alliance of science and tradition

Ancient origins.
The origin of extracting active principles from plants is lost in the night of time. Humans learned very early about plant benefits and developed the first techniques to obtain what we now call an "extract". These first extracts were obtained mainly from water-based processes or alcohol fermentation using procedures such as infusion, maceration, decoction or distillation.
The simplicity of these first procedures, as well as the tools, materials and ways of heating, required experience and know-how rather than science.
Even today, in spite of precise automation, more adequate equipment, advances in process engineering and analysis, as well as new extraction technologies such as high pressure, microwaves or ultrasound, the notion of plant extraction expertise still rests on the proper association between the mastery of current technology and tradition.

What is a plant extract?

A plant extract must, by definition, be obtained from a solid-liquid extraction.
Solid-liquid extraction is defined as an operation to separate elements contained in a solid body by solubilization with a solvent, and it may be followed by purification.

The extract is contained in the solvent. If the solvent is an edible solvent, it is not necessary to dissociate it from the extract. If the solvent is not an edible solvent, separation allows obtaining a dry extract.

What are the quality criteria?

Selection of raw materials, choice of solvent, process utilization and equipment performance are determining factors. These multiple parameters must be professionally combined. Only their proper combination allows obtaining high-quality plant extracts.