tinctura

Tinctura is a hydroalcoholic extract used in medicine and pharmacology. The term comes from Latin tinctura, meaning “a tincture” or “that which is dyed.” A tincture is prepared by macerating plant or animal material in a mixture of alcohol and water, or, in some cases, in glycerin. Alcohol serves as solvent and preservative, drawing out a wide range of constituents such as alkaloids, glycosides and resins. The exact solvent composition, plant-to-solvent ratio, and extraction time are specified for many tinctures in pharmacopoeias, and can vary widely depending on the material and intended use.

Preparation methods include maceration (soaking with occasional agitation) and percolation; after extraction, the liquid is filtered and stored in tightly closed, light-resistant containers. Typical tinctures use hydroalcoholic solvents with ethanol concentration commonly in a broad range, often around 40–70% by volume, though some products may have higher or lower alcohol content. The alcohol contributes to shelf life, with properly stored tinctures lasting months to years when kept in a cool, dark place.

Uses and context: Tinctures are primarily used for oral administration, particularly in herbal medicine and pharmacology. They offer convenient liquid dosing and good solubility for many constituents, but their strength can vary between batches. Some well-known historical tinctures include opium tincture and various plant tinctures; today many tinctures are regulated as medicines or dietary supplements, with quality controls and labeling requirements.