A comprehensive taxonomy of plant extracts is essential for standardizing research and product development across pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. This systematic classification organizes extracts based on multiple criteria, including the plant part used (e.g., root, leaf, or flower), the extraction solvent (aqueous, hydroalcoholic, or supercritical CO₂), and the resultant phytochemical profile. For instance, a Ginkgo biloba leaf extract standardized for flavonoids differs fundamentally from a valerian root tincture rich in valerenic acids. Such a taxonomy enables precise communication, ensures reproducibility, and facilitates the targeted selection of extracts for specific bioactive properties, thereby advancing scientific consistency and innovation in natural product utilization.
