Recently, we have invested in a Hielscher Sonicator. This superior method of botanical extraction uses an ultrasonic probe to produce ultrasound waves to extract compounds from plants and other materials.

Changes you may notice in our new glycerites

Our glycerites (herbal formulas that use glycerin as the solvent) will use the same formulas as before. However, you may notice that these new herbal remedies are lighter in color and less viscous (thinner).

This is because our prior method of extraction using low-heat and maceration (soaking for a period of time) produced glycerites with a darker color and thicker consistency. This was due to more tannins being extracted and the starches in the plants reacting with the low-heat.

Neither tannins nor starches are the primary constituents we are trying to extract from the plant material, so less of them does not affect the healing benefits of the herbal remedies in any way. In fact, when we had these new glycerites tested and compared with the previous remedies, Third-Party testing showed that our new glycerites are TEN TIMES more concentrated with the beneficial plant constituents we are trying to extract.

How Does Ultrasonic Extraction Work?

Ultrasonic extraction is based on the working principle of ultrasonic acoustic cavitation. 

What is Acoustic Cavitation? – Acoustic or ultrasonic cavitation occurs when high-power, low-frequency ultrasound waves are coupled into a slurry consisting of botanical material in a liquid (solvent).

High-power ultrasonic waves are coupled via a probe-type ultrasonic processor into the botanical slurry. Highly energetic ultrasound waves travel through the liquid creating alternating high-pressure / low-pressure cycles, which results in the phenomenon of acoustic cavitation. Acoustic or ultrasonic cavitation leads locally to extreme conditions such as very high pressure differentials and high shear forces.

When cavitation bubbles implode on the surface of solids (such as particles, plant cells, tissues etc.), micro-jets and inter-particlular collision generate effects such as particle breakdown, sonoporation (the perforation of cell walls and cell membranes) and cell disruption. Additionally, the implosion of cavitation bubbles in liquid media creates turbulences and agitation, which promotes the mass transfer of plant constituents/nutrients between the cell interior and the surrounding solvent.

Advantages of Using Ultrasound Extraction

Faster extraction: Ultrasonic probe-type extraction can extract compounds much faster than maceration and percolation. This is because ultrasonic waves create cavitation bubbles in the solvent, which create micro-shocks that help to break down cell walls and release the plant compounds more quickly.

Higher yield: Ultrasonic probe-type extraction can extract a higher yield of compounds than maceration, CO2 extraction, and percolation. This is because the ultrasonic waves help to release more of the target compounds from the material being extracted.

More efficient: Ultrasonic probe-type extraction is more efficient than maceration, CO2 extraction, percolation and Soxhlet extractors, as it requires less solvent to extract the same amount of compounds. This is because the ultrasonic waves help to increase the solubility of the target plant compounds in the solvent.

Versatility: Ultrasonic probe-type extraction can be used to extract a wide range of compounds from various materials, including both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds. This means that ultrasound is excellent for the production of full-spectrum herbal extracts.

Environmentally friendly: Ultrasonic probes allow for an environmentally friendly extraction, as it requires less solvent and energy compared to other methods, and produces less waste. Although sonication is compatible with any solvents, due to the high efficiency of ultrasonicators, toxic solvents can be mostly avoided. Glycerin and water are excellent solvents for ultrasonic botanical extraction.