Other methods for concentrating plant extracts include Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE), Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE), Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE), and Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE). Traditional techniques like Soxhlet extraction, maceration, and percolation are also effective for extracting bioactive compounds.

Waterbath, oven (40 C)

Infusion: Steep the plant material in hot water for 5-15 minutes, ideal for extracting delicate parts like leaves and flowers. Decoction: Boil harder plant parts, such as roots or bark, in water for 15-60 minutes to extract sturdier compounds. Maceration: Soak the plant material in cold water for 24-48 hours to preserve heat-sensitive compounds. Cold Percolation: Let water flow through the plant material at room temperature; this method is suitable for alkaloids and glycosides. Sonication: Use ultrasound waves to break down cell walls in water, efficiently releasing compounds—common in laboratory extractions. Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE): Apply microwave radiation to heat water quickly, producing faster, high-yield extractions. Reflux Extraction: Continuously heat the plant material in water with a condenser, suitable for extracting heat-stable compounds. Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE): Use heated, high-pressure water to efficiently extract compounds, often applied in industrial and research settings.

Vacuum Oven Drying: Dries extracts under low heat and reduced pressure, good for delicate compounds but slower. Spray Drying: Rapidly converts extracts to powder by spraying into hot air, ideal for large-scale processing but can damage heat-sensitive compounds. Simple Distillation: Uses heat to evaporate solvent, leaving concentrated extract, best for heat-stable compounds. Membrane Filtration (Ultrafiltration/Nanofiltration): Uses selective membranes to concentrate aqueous extracts, great for peptides and polysaccharides. Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE): Uses supercritical CO₂ to selectively concentrate extracts without high heat; ideal for sensitive compounds, but costly. Microwave-Assisted Concentration: Quick solvent removal using microwaves, effective but risks overheating. Low-Temperature Oven Drying: Suitable for stable compounds, though slower and less selective. Solar Drying: Low-cost method using sunlight, slower and less protective for sensitive compounds. Each method fits different extract types, equipment, and compound sensitivities.

Solvent extraction can also be used, and ultrasound-assisted extraction can be used.