The Journey of Extraction: Review from Ancient Practices to Modern Technologies

Extraction plays a vital role in herbal drug formulation by isolating therapeutic phytoconstituents from raw materials. Traditional methods, although effective, often lack efficiency and standardization, while modern techniques aim for higher yield, selectivity and sustainability. This review categorizes and evaluates extraction methods conventional, non-conventional, emerging and traditional Ayurvedic to explore their comparative efficiency, applications and potential for integration.

A narrative literature review was conducted to analyse various extraction techniques. Conventional techniques like maceration, infusion, percolation, decoction and Soxhlet were studied alongside non-conventional methods such as supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), pulsed electric field extraction (PEF) and subcritical water extraction (SWE). Recent emerging methods - natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) based extraction, pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE), flash extraction, ohmic heating-assisted extraction (OHAE), enzyme ultrasound synergistic extraction (EUSE) and ionic liquid-based extraction (ILBE) were critically examined. Traditional Ayurvedic techniques including Panchavidha Kashaya Kalpana and Arka Kalpana were reviewed in context of ancient pharmaceutics and modern applicability.

Conventional methods offer foundational benefits but often involve longer durations and high solvent usage. Non-conventional techniques, especially UAE and MAE, provide enhanced efficiency and target-specific extractions. Emerging methods such as NADES and ILBE demonstrate improved selectivity, eco-friendliness and high extraction yields, though challenges like viscosity and cost remain. Ayurvedic techniques including Swarasa, Kalka, Kwatha, Hima, Phanta and Arka ensure holistic and energetically potent formulations, with tailored approaches for different herb types. Each method is suited to specific compound profiles and therapeutic intents.

A comparative review reveals that a hybridized extraction approach, combining traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with advanced green technologies, can lead to more potent, efficient and sustainable herbal products. Bridging these domains fosters innovation while preserving ancient therapeutic knowledge