A review of solvent extraction techniques for bioactive compounds from medicinal plants: conventional methods, comparisons, and applications in antimicrobial activity assessment

The most common method Solvent extraction, for isolating bioactive phytochemicals from medicinal plants is Solvent extraction , when evaluating potential antimicrobial in the context of antibiotic resistance. This paper compares three conventional solvent-based techniques—maceration, percolation, and Soxhlet extraction in principles, advantages, limitations, and impact on extract yield and bioactivity. Factors such as extraction time, temperature, and plant matrix influence phytochemical recovery and antimicrobial efficacy against common pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.Literature combined with experimental data from Mahabubnagar district, Telangana, India using roots and leaves of Boerhaaviadiffusa, Azadirachta indica, Datura stramonium, and Glycyrrhiza glabra shows that polar solvents applied via Soxhlet or maceration consistently deliver higher yields upwards of 10% and stronger zones of inhibition (i.e 24 mm). there are also challenges like solvent consumption, duration and degradation dur to used compounds while being conventional methods whichare simple and cost-effective. The paper clarifiesneed for standardization and highlights opportunities for greener approaches to support development of antimicrobials derived from plants.