Multiple Uses of Botanical Extracts in the Consumer Retail and Medical Field

Plants constitute essential components that people use as extracts for many things. Pharmacological treatment using plants is used extensively all over the globe. Several compounds that plants constitute can treat several life-threatening diseases and disorders.

Phenols

Phenols are best known for their antiseptic property. They act as a precursor for therapeutic drugs owing to the presence of the hydroxyl group in their chemical structure. Also, phenols are a common constituent in the medicines for the treatment for ingrown toenails.

Volatile Oils

Volatile oils have essential use in the management of several conditions and disorders. You can use volatile oils as stimulants, diuretics, antiseptics, and pesticides. Also, owing to the anti-bacterial properties in these oils, a lot of consumer retail companies are incorporating the use of volatile oils in their products, such as air fresheners, and body scrubs. A lot of companies are also producing products by mixing plant resins volatile oils for increased efficacy rates. Few examples of volatile oils include lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus.

Lipids

Plants usually possess high-density lipoprotein, which is a good type of lipid. These are also known as triglycerides and have long chains of fatty acid esters, including stearic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. Fatty acids are highly useful for skin treatments. Several chromatography apparatus,  including soxhlet extraction.

Tannins

Tannins are chemically complex polyphenolic compounds made of hydroxyls or carboxyls. Apart from its use in leather production, these compounds are highly beneficial for disorders of the digestive tract. 

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are highly used as binders, gels, thickeners, and stabilizers in the life science industry. Therapeutics which use carbohydratesin their preparations are used widely in cardiology field and hematological treatments, such as anti-thrombotic treatments,inflammatory diseases, and wound healing. An example of a carbohydrate-based drug is heparin.Carbohydrates possess numerous biological effects, including anti-HIV, anti-arthritic, and anti-adhesive actions. The derivatives of complement inhibitorsand other small molecules are useful in limiting any ischemia or reperfusion wounds. Natural and synthetic mono saccharides are researched on their in-vivo cardio protective and anti-inflammation related properties.

Alkaloids

Some of the examples of alkaloids include morphine, pyridine, atropine, and quinine, among others. The application area of these compounds lies in the stimulants, analgesics, arrhythmia drugs.

Balsams

Balsams are oleoresins extracted from shrubs, trees, and flowers. People use balsams widely in aromatherapy as aromatic scents. There also exist products with balsams for curing cough, sore throat, and dry throat.

Mucilage

Mucilage is nothing but polar and thick glycoproteins. Highly used as topical ointments for skin irritations and allergies, research is prevalent in this field. Mucilage has a viscous consistency and provides soothing to the irritated skin. They are also used as demulcents to relieve irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth. Various sources of mucilage include aloe vera, kelp, and cactus.

Apart from all the above-mentioned plant-based products, several other products have medicinal properties and are useful for treatment purposes. For instance, glycosides are the by-products of the hydrolysis process.