RH Herbal Preparations & Dosage Forms

Question 1

What does the ratio in a 1:5 tincture represent?

Accepted Answer

1 gram of dried herb extracted in 5 mL of menstruum

Answer

A 1:5 tincture means 1 gram of dried herb is extracted in 5 mL of menstruum (solvent), describing the herb-to-solvent weight-to-volume ratio.

Question 2

Cold infusions are most appropriate for extracting which type of plant constituents?

Accepted Answer

Mucilaginous polysaccharides and delicate aromatic compounds

Answer

Cold water gently extracts mucilaginous polysaccharides and preserves volatile, heat-sensitive aromatic compounds that would be degraded by hot water.

Question 3

Which alcohol concentration in a hydroethanolic menstruum is most effective for extracting resins and volatile oils?

Accepted Answer

90–95%

Answer

Resins and volatile oils are highly lipophilic and require high-alcohol concentrations of 90–95% to dissolve effectively due to their non-polar nature.

Question 4

A decoction differs from a standard infusion primarily in that it:

Accepted Answer

Involves simmering hard plant materials for 15–45 minutes

Answer

Decoctions involve actively simmering hard plant materials such as roots, bark, and seeds for 15–45 minutes to break down tough cell walls and release constituents.

Question 5

Glycerites are preferred over alcohol-based tinctures for which patient population?

Accepted Answer

Children and individuals avoiding alcohol consumption

Answer

Glycerites use vegetable glycerin as the solvent, making them completely alcohol-free and suitable for children, pregnant women, and those with alcohol sensitivities.

(RH) Registered Herbalist Practice Test

(RH) Registered Herbalist Practice Test

RH Herbal Preparations & Dosage Forms