Using 1,3-Propanediol (Natural) for Herbal Extraction

1,3-Propanediol (Natural) can indeed be used as a solvent for herbal extraction, similar to Propylene Glycol (PG), and is noted to have a better skin feel and act as a preservative booster.

However, determining the exact ratio of 1,3-Propanediol and water to use, the amount of solvent mixture per 100g of herb, and the required extraction time is not a one-size-fits-all answer. This is because the optimal conditions depend heavily on the specific herb being extracted and the compounds you wish to isolate. As mentioned by the staff, the solvent capabilities of 1,3-Propanediol will differ from PG, so direct substitution with the exact same ratio might not yield the same results.

General Guidance (Requires Testing):

• Solvent Ratio (1,3-Propanediol:Water): The ideal ratio depends on the polarity of the desired compounds from the herb. You might start by trying a similar ratio of 1,3-Propanediol to water that you previously used with PG, or experiment with different ratios (e.g., 50:50, 60:40, 70:30 Propanediol:Water) to see which extracts the desired components most effectively.
• Solvent Amount per Herb: A common starting point for many herbal extractions is using 5 to 10 parts solvent mixture for every 1 part of dried herb (a 1:5 or 1:10 ratio). For 100g of herb, this would mean using 500g to 1000g of your 1,3-Propanediol/water mixture.
• Extraction Time: Extraction time varies greatly. Cold extractions (room temperature) often require several weeks (e.g., 2-4 weeks) with occasional shaking. Heat can speed up extraction but may degrade some heat-sensitive compounds. You will need to observe the extraction process and potentially test the concentration of the desired compounds over time to find the optimal duration.

Preservation:

While 1,3-Propanediol acts as a preservative booster, it is generally recommended to still include a dedicated preservative in your final herbal extract, especially if it contains water. This is crucial to prevent microbial growth and ensure the stability and safety of the extract over time.