Table 1 A brief summary of various extraction methods for natural products
From: Techniques for extraction and isolation of natural products: a comprehensive review
Method | Solvent | Temperature | Pressure | Time | Volume of organic solvent consumed | Polarity of natural products extracted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maceration | Water, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents | Room temperature | Atmospheric | Long | Large | Dependent on extracting solvent |
Percolation | Water, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents | Room temperature, occasionally under heat | Atmospheric | Long | Large | Dependent on extracting solvent |
Decoction | Water | Under heat | Atmospheric | Moderate | None | Polar compounds |
Reflux extraction | Aqueous and non-aqueous solvents | Under heat | Atmospheric | Moderate | Moderate | Dependent on extracting solvent |
Soxhlet extraction | Organic solvents | Under heat | Atmospheric | Long | Moderate | Dependent on extracting solvent |
Pressurized liquid extraction | Water, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents | Under heat | High | Short | Small | Dependent on extracting solvent |
Supercritical fluid extraction | Supercritical fluid (usually S-CO2), sometimes with modifier | Near room temperature | High | Short | None or small | Nonpolar to moderate polar compounds |
Ultrasound assisted extraction | Water, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents | Room temperature, or under heat | Atmospheric | Short | Moderate | Dependent on extracting solvent |
Microwave assisted extraction | Water, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents | Room temperature | Atmospheric | Short | None or moderate | Dependent on extracting solvent |
Pulsed electric field extraction | Water, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents | Room temperature, or under heat | Atmospheric | Short | Moderate | Dependent on extracting solvent |
Enzyme assisted extraction | Water, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents | Room temperature, or heated after enzyme treatment | Atmospheric | Moderate | Moderate | Dependent on extracting solvent |
Hydro distillation and steam distillation | Water | Under heat | Atmospheric | Long | None | Essential oil (usually non-polar) |