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Extracting Chemical Compounds
Caption:
These test tubes contain chemical compounds that researchers have extracted from milk thistle using different liquids (ex. water, ethanol). The purpose is to determine which solvent is most effective in extracting compounds from pills, powders, seeds, and other plant material.
Milk thistle contains compounds called silymarin. Research has shown that silymarin have beneficial effects in the treatment of liver diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatitis, and may possibly help suppress the growth of some cancers. Because of this, milk thistle is commonly used in nutraceuticals—foods or parts of foods that provide medical or health benefits, including the prevention or treatment of disease.
While researchers may identify and characterize an active ingredient in a plant, the trick is how to extract it without destroying its usefulness. Researchers in fields like biological engineering continue to seek new and better extraction techniques for nutraceuticals.
Important: Use of this image is restricted. Please see “Restrictions” (below) for complete information.
(Preview Only)
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| Credit: |
©2002 University Relations, University of Arkansas |
| Year of Image: |
2002 |
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Categories:
BIOLOGICAL / Bioengineering
Formats Available:
TIFF Format - 7.75M - 1498 x 1808 pixel image - 300 DPI
Restrictions:
Important: This image contains a copyright. The image is not to be used in any for-profit manner; on packaging; as a product endorsement; etc. Permission is granted by the owner to use this image for scientific illustration only.
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