Trends and applications of extractive methods in processing medicinal plants: a review study

The consumption of medicinal plants has been progressively applied over the years worldwide due to their high range of pharmacological activity, however, each substance and extraction technique has its own particularities, for this, it is necessary to analyze classical and modern techniques that actively participate in the extraction process of medicinal plants. Thus, the aim of this review was to analyze the information found about the main methods that make up the process of extracting medicinal plants. The research was conducted through a narrative review of literature classified as exploratory, committed to different databases of scientific publications that addressed the manipulation of plant material, and the extractive techniques used to obtain plant extracts. Results showed that due to the characteristics presented by the medicinal plants, it is necessary to observe the particularities of each technique since using the correct technique enables a lower chance of microbiological contamination and a higher extraction of the compound. Temperature and pressure control are essential for the extraction process and preservation of the extracted compounds. This review is useful to assist in the choice of a technique used for the extraction of natural compounds, as well as details such as the choice of solvent, time, temperature, and pressure applied.