A herbal Extract is a substance made by extracting a part of a herbal raw material, often by using a solvent such as methanol or water. The process of Herbal Extraction is usually designed to maximize a certain portion of the original chemical compounds found in the plant, many of which have a therapeutic action.

Extracts are typically categorized by the solvent used to make them and/or by their form. Some of the more common solvents that are used include water, alcohol, glycerin, and vinegar. The inherent qualities of each of these solvents will attract different phytochemicals in a herb.

Product form:

The herbal extract can be classified as solid or powdery, extract, concentrated liquid or oil:

• Oily liquid, which is the same essential oil with aroma and volatility.
• Tinctures are liquid extracts made with alcohol and may include other food-grade solvents.
• Powdered extracts are formed by drying liquid extracts including tinctures and water extracts, often under a vacuum. Powdered extracts are most commonly used in capsules and tablets.
• Watery extracts made by infusion or decoction are used as teas, rinses and the base for syrups and other products.

Uses:

Colourings, Flavor, Pharmacological, Dietary supplements and Health care.

Herbal extracts are primarily added to cosmetic formulations due to several associated properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.