What term describes an alcoholic extract or solution of a non-volatile substance?

• A. Tincture
• B. Elixir
• C. Spirit
• D. Infusion

Answer: (A)

This term is used when alcohol is the solvent to extract non-volatile constituents from a material, producing an alcoholic extract. Tinctures are made by soaking plant material (or other substances) in alcohol so that substances like alkaloids, tannins, resins, and similar non-volatile components dissolve and remain in solution. That’s why this form is specifically described as an alcoholic extract of a non-volatile substance.

Why the others aren’t what’s being described: an elixir is a sweetened hydro-alcoholic preparation intended as a palatable medicinal liquid, not defined by the extraction method itself. A spirit refers to a volatile or aromatic solution, often highlighting the presence of volatile constituents or essential oils, rather than non-volatile solutes. An infusion is made with water (often hot water) to extract soluble constituents, not with alcohol.