What are extracts commonly defined as?

Extracts are commonly defined as crude mixtures of chemical compounds that have been obtained from natural sources, such as plants, through various extraction processes. This definition emphasizes that extracts are not single substances, but rather complex mixtures that contain a wide variety of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, and other secondary metabolites. The extraction process often involves using solvents, such as alcohol or water, to dissolve and concentrate the desired components from the plant material.

The nature of extracts as crude mixtures is crucial in the context of their use in medicine and herbal remedies since the therapeutic effects often arise from the synergistic interactions between multiple compounds rather than from one isolated ingredient. This complexity contributes to the efficacy and safety of herbal products and is a key consideration in both traditional and modern pharmacological practices.