The spelling of "liquid extract" is based on its pronunciation which is represented in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈlɪkwɪd ˈɛkstrækt/. The first syllable is pronounced as "LIH-kwid" with a short "i" sound and the stress on the first syllable. The second syllable is pronounced as "EK-strakt" with a long "e" sound and the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of this word reflects the correct pronunciation of the two elements that make it up: "liquid," referring to the physical state of the substance, and "extract," referring to the process of extracting a substance from a plant or other source.
A liquid extract is a concentrated herbal or medicinal preparation obtained by extracting the active constituents from a plant or substance using a suitable solvent, usually alcohol or water. This process involves soaking or steeping the plant material or substance in the solvent for an extended period of time to dissolve and concentrate its beneficial compounds.
Liquid extracts are often derived from various parts of plants, such as leaves, flowers, stems, or roots, as well as other substances like fruits, barks, or even animal products. The specific extraction method employed may vary depending on the desired constituents and properties of the plant or substance. Some common techniques include maceration, where the plant material is soaked in a solvent, and percolation, which involves continuous solvent flow through the plant material.
The resulting liquid extract is a concentrated solution that contains the active chemical constituents of the plant or substance, including essential oils, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, or other bioactive compounds. These extracts are often used in herbal medicine, naturopathy, or pharmaceutical formulations, as they facilitate the convenient administration and absorption of the therapeutic compounds.
Liquid extracts are valued for their potency and versatility. They can be taken orally by mixing with water or other liquids, used topically, or even added to various formulations like creams, lotions, or tinctures. The concentration of active compounds in liquid extracts can vary depending on the extraction process and may be standardized to ensure consistent dosage and quality across different batches.
Fluid e.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "liquid" comes from the Latin word "liquere", meaning "to be fluid or liquid". It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe substances that flow freely and are not solid.
The word "extract" comes from the Latin word "extractus", which is the past participle of "extrahere", meaning "to draw out" or "to pull out". It was used in English from the 15th century onward to describe the act of taking or obtaining something from a source.
When combined, "liquid extract" refers to a substance that has been drawn out or obtained in liquid form. It typically describes a concentrated solution that has been derived from a solid or plant material using a solvent (such as water, alcohol, or oil) to extract its active components.