Water Extraction of Bioactive Compounds: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover the essential knowledge and techniques required to successfully extract bioactive compounds from plants for further study. This comprehensive guide is designed for medicinal chemists, biochemists, pharmaceutical scientists, and academics working in the discovery and development of drugs from natural sources.

Introduction to Plants as Sources of Drugs

Plants have been a primary source of drugs for centuries, and their potential for providing new therapeutic agents continues to grow. The discovery of novel bioactive constituents of botanicals is an ongoing process, with a need for standardization and more rational and greener techniques in the field. This section provides an overview of the development of plant-based extraction processes and pretreatments for the efficient extraction of bioactive compounds.

Conventional Extraction Techniques

Conventional hot water extraction and pressurized hot water extraction are widely used methods for extracting bioactive compounds from plants. These techniques are effective for a range of plant materials and can be adapted to suit different compounds and plant types.

Intensified Extraction Processes

Intensified processes offer enhanced efficiency and speed in the extraction of bioactive compounds. This section covers microwave-assisted processes, ultrasound-assisted processes, and enzyme-assisted extraction, providing insights into their applications and potential for industrial scale use.

Applications and Future Directions

The extraction of bioactive compounds from plants has a wide range of applications in the pharmaceutical industry, from drug discovery to the development of new treatments. This section highlights current use and future potential for industrial scale applications, as well as ongoing research and development in the field.

By providing a thorough introduction to the theoretical background and range of techniques available, this guide helps researchers select the most appropriate extraction method for their needs. With contributions from international experts, it offers up-to-date and cutting-edge applications, making it an essential resource for those working in the field of drug discovery and development from natural sources.