In the extraction practice for articles of botanical origin, the constituents of interest are completely or partially separated from other components with the aid of water, alcohol, alcohol-water mixtures, or other suitable solvents. This extraction process involves the removal of the desired constituents from the plant matter with suitable menstrua, the evaporation of all or nearly all of the solvent, and the adjustment of the residual fluids, masses, or powders to the prescribed standards. Suitable inert substances may be added as carriers or diluents to improve physical characteristics. Suitable antimicrobials and other preservatives may be added to preserve the integrity. Extracts may be subjected to processes that increase the content of characterized constituents, decrease the content of unwanted constituents, or both. Extracts with no added inert substances and no processing beyond the extraction are called native extracts. In some preparations, the plant matter may be pretreated by inactivation of enzymes and microbial contaminants, grinding, defatting, or a similar procedure.