Solubility of

HERBAL CONSTITUENTS
WAT ER EX TRAC T I O N TI P S

Extracts acids, alkaloids, bitter compounds,

flavonoids, glycosides, gums, minerals, mucilage, To optimize the
polysaccharides, tannins, and for a short term, extraction process
when making herbal
volatile oils. preparations, keep the
following tips in mind:
A L COH OL

Extracts acids, alkaloids, bitter compounds,

flavonoids, polysaccharides, resins, some vitamins and
minerals, tannins, volatile oils, and many other plant
chemicals, but precipitates out mucilage.
Increase surface area as
much as possible
G LY CER IN

Extracts bitter compounds, glycosides,

(Table compiled from Cech, 2000; Easley & Horne, 2016; Green, 2000; Yarnell, 2004)
polysaccharides, saponins, tannins, vitamins, and to a
lesser extent, alkaloids and volatile oils.

V INEG A R
Increase solvent
temperature
Extracts alkaloids, bitter compounds, minerals,
polysaccharides, and tannins.

OIL

Extracts oleoresins, resins, volatile oils, and to a lesser

extent, gums, mucilage, and tannins. Shake things up
L ACAD
B A AT I O N A L S
C
E MOL

N
R
ER
HE

H
O
INT

C O U R S E S T U D Y W O R K S H E E T T H E H E R B A L A C A D E M Y. C O M
ES
OF

11
ES

NC
HE

IE

B
R

A C
S
20

L
T

ARTS &
BL
A

ISHED