choice of solvent depends upon the secondary metabolite you want to extract. For polar constituent you can use methanol or ethanol, for lipophilic chloroform, hexane etc. however nowadays industries are more prone towards hydroalcoholic extracts.
Usually start with non-polar solvent such as hexane or petroleum ether to remove the non-polar constituents ( fats and oils). then gradually increase the polarity of the solvent ( more polar solvent): ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol finally with 80% methanol- water. Take TLC for all fractions, separate single compounds using chrom. techniques.
Dear Dr. Shariq Shamsi,
Extraction is done based on the polarity of the solvents and fractions are obtained in a sequential process using hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol as solvents.
The solvent used for extraction is in a position to dissolve appreciable quantities of substances desired.
I hope the information will help you.
With Best Wishes,
Samir G. Pandya
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