Extrakte

Extrakte are concentrated preparations obtained from natural materials by extracting desired constituents with a solvent. They are used to concentrate flavors, fragrances, or bioactive compounds, while reducing bulk. The term encompasses products derived from plants, animals, or minerals, and includes liquid and solid forms such as tinctures, powders, or liquids.

Plant extracts include alcohol extracts used as flavorings (vanilla, almond), tinctures (water-alcohol blends), and dry extracts (powders). Essential oils are volatile extracts produced by steam distillation or expression; they are closely related but distinct from nonvolatile extracts. Combined with carriers, extracts form solutions or suspensions.

Extraction methods involve several approaches. Common methods include solvent extraction with ethanol or water, steam distillation for essential oils, cold pressing for citrus peel, and increasingly, supercritical CO2 extraction for clean products. The choice of method affects aroma, flavor, and stability, as well as residual solvents.

Applications span food and beverages as flavorings, cosmetics and perfumery for scent, and pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals as standardized bioactive ingredients or traditional medicines. Quality and safety depend on the origin material, method, and concentration, while labeling and regulatory requirements for solvents, allergens, and purity vary by jurisdiction and industry.

Note: In German-speaking contexts, Extrakte is the general term for extracts and is used in culinary, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors.