Plant extracts are substances derived from plants (e.g., herbs, spices, essential oils, etc.) that are extracted or processed using appropriate solvents or methods (e.g., concentration, distillation, extraction, separation, drying). Common plant extract ingredients include the following categories:
1. Alkaloids
Alkaloids, i.e. plant alkaloids, are important active ingredients of herbal medicines. Common alkaloids include berberine in Huanglian and ephedrine in Ephedra. These components usually have special physiological activities, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor.
2. Flavonoids
Flavonoids have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and other biological activities. Common flavonoids are propolis, soy isoflavones, anthocyanins, tea polyphenols and so on. Flavonoids are widely distributed in plants and are one of the active ingredients in many Chinese herbs.
3. Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides have a variety of effects such as lowering serum cholesterol, anticancer and anti-cancer, and regulating immunity. Common polysaccharide extracts include Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide, shiitake mushroom polysaccharide, algal polysaccharide and so on. These polysaccharide compounds have significant effects in enhancing human immunity, anti-tumor and so on.
4. Glycosides
Glycosides are substances made of sugar combined with phenols and flavonoids, and different types of glycosides have different physiological activities. Glycosides are widely found in plants and have various functions, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor and so on.
5. Volatile oils
Volatile oils, also known as essential oils, are oily liquids with aroma and volatility. Common volatile oil extracts are peppermint oil, rose oil, garlic oil and so on. These volatile oil compounds are widely used in cosmetics, food, drugs and other fields, with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and other effects.
6. Organic acids
Organic acids such as citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, ascorbic acid, etc., are one of the most effective alternatives to antibiotics. They can play a role in regulating intestinal flora and promote digestion and absorption. In addition, organic acids have a variety of biological activities such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
7. Other Ingredients
In addition to the above categories of common ingredients, plant extracts contain many other active ingredients, such as terpenes, phenols, alcohols, esters and so on. These components play their own unique physiological functions in plants, and have a wide range of applications in medicine, food, cosmetics and other fields.