AQUCOUS EXTRACT Meaning and
Definition
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An aqueous extract refers to a liquid solution obtained through the process of extraction, where a substance is dissolved or extracted from a plant or other source in water. The term "aqueous" pertains to water, thus indicating that the solvent used for the extraction process is water-based.
This extraction method involves soaking or immersing the plant material in water, allowing the water to dissolve and extract its soluble components, such as essential oils, pigments, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, or other active compounds. The resulting liquid solution is then separated from the leftover plant material through filtration or centrifugation.
Aqueous extracts are commonly used in various fields, such as medicine, natural product research, and cosmetics, due to their ability to preserve the water-soluble compounds found in plants and provide a concentrated form of their beneficial constituents. These extracts can be used as natural remedies, dietary supplements, ingredients in skincare products, or as a base for preparing tinctures, tonics, or herbal infusions.
As they are water-based, aqueous extracts are appreciated for their ease of use, safety, and compatibility with various delivery systems. Nevertheless, the type and concentration of the extracted compounds can vary depending on factors like extraction duration, temperature, pH, and the specific plant or botanical source used in the process.
Etymology of AQUCOUS EXTRACT
The word "aqueous" is derived from the Latin word "aqua", meaning water. The term "extract" comes from the Latin verb "extrahere", which means "to draw out" or "to extract". Combining these two words, "aqueous extract" refers to a substance or solution that is obtained by drawing out or extracting water-soluble compounds from a material, such as a plant, through a process like infusion or decoction.
