EXPT#4 GQ

1. How do you choose a solvent?

The solvents used in extraction must be capable of penetrating the tissues of the drug and
dissolve the active principles contained in its cells. Various solvents that are being used include
water, propene, ethanol, acetone etc.

2. Differentiate maceration from digestion.

Digestion method is soaking the drug in the menstruum until the cellular structure is
softened, penetrated by the menstruum until the soluble constituents are dissolved. While
in digestion, there is slight warming during the extraction process, provided that the
temperature does not alter the active ingredients of plant material and so there is greater
efficiency in the use of menstruum.

3. Discuss the advantage/s of percolation over maceration.

4. What are the two techniques of continuous extraction? What are their advantages over
maceration and percolation?

a. Hot continuous extraction (Soxhlet)

b. Liquid-liquid extraction