Year: 2026 | Month: October-December | Volume: 11 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 138-144
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20260416
Glycerine as an Alternative Extraction Vehicle in Homoeopathic Mother Tincture Preparation: A Review
Dr. G. Rathna Kumari1, Dr. Rangala Sai Siva Harshini2
1Professor and HOD, Department of Homoeopathic Pharmacy, MNR Homoeopathic Medical College, Sangareddy, Telangana, India.
2Postgraduate Scholar, Department of Homoeopathic Pharmacy, MNR Homoeopathic Medical College, Sangareddy, Telangana, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Rangala Sai Siva Harshini
ABSTRACT
Alcohol is conventionally used as an extraction vehicle in homoeopathic mother tincture preparation because of its solvent and preservative properties. However, interest in alternative extraction vehicles has encouraged the exploration of glycerine owing to its distinctive physicochemical characteristics. This review examines the potential of glycerine as an alternative extraction vehicle in Homoeopathic Pharmacy, focusing on its extraction mechanisms, solubilization of phytoconstituents, advantages, and limitations. Glycerine’s hydrogen-bonding capacity, hygroscopicity, and low volatility may support the extraction of selected plant constituents and the development of ethanol-free liquid preparations. Nevertheless, its high viscosity, selective extraction characteristics, analytical challenges, and uncertain microbial stability require careful consideration. The suitability of glycerine depends on the medicinal plant, solvent composition, and preparation conditions. Further plant-specific comparative studies evaluating phytochemical profiles, extraction yield, physicochemical properties, microbial quality, and stability are necessary to establish its pharmaceutical applicability. Glycerine should therefore be considered a potential alternative extraction vehicle requiring scientific validation rather than an established replacement for alcohol in homoeopathic mother tincture preparation.
Keywords: Glycerine, Homoeopathic mother tincture, Extraction vehicle, Herbal extraction, Pharmaceutical standardization, Homoeopathic pharmacy.