Classical and modern drug extraction techniques: facts and figures

In present era, herbal extract succeeds inimitable place in pharmaceutical science. In view back the earliest extraction techniques are lost in the mists of history. As time went the plants have been processed by grinding, boiling or immersing. The systemic presentation of Ayurvedic extraction system has been first time familiarized by Acharya Charaka as Panchavidha Kashaya Kalpana (five basic primary dosage forms) and based upon these primary dosage forms, secondary dosage forms are developed by using different heating pattern for extraction of pharmacological active ingredients. The administration of these dosage forms is mainly dependent on the Bala (strength) of Vyadhi (disease) and Atura (patient). Due to increased demand of Ayurvedic medicines and industrialization, the transformation of classical dosage forms takes place by implanting a wide range of technologies with different methods of extraction include conventional techniques such as maceration, percolation, infusion, decoction, hot continuous extraction etc. and recently, alternative methods like ultrasound assisted solvent extraction (UASE), microwave assisted solvent extraction (MASE) and supercritical fluid extractions (SFE). The extract obtained by these procedure uses as a large source of therapeutic phyto-chemicals that may lead to the development of novel drugs. Essentially, the purpose behind this changing face in both the extraction systems are different but can say that it is a new insight from ancient essence.