MCQs Extraction in Pharmacognosy for NPC License Exam and Loksewa

Extraction in pharmacognosy is the process of separating bioactive compounds from crude drugs using suitable solvents and techniques. Below are 20 important Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with answers to help you prepare for the Nepal Pharmacy Council (NPC) licensing exam and Pharmacy Loksewa.

1. Which extraction method is based on the continuous percolation of fresh solvent through the drug material?
A. Maceration
B. Soxhlet extraction
C. Decoction
D. Infusion

Answer: B. Soxhlet extraction 

2. In maceration, the ratio of crude drug to solvent in the preparation of tinctures is generally:
A. 1:1
B. 1:2
C. 1:5
D. 1:10

Answer: D. 1:10 

3. Which solvent is considered the most universal for extraction in phytochemistry?
A. Hexane
B. Chloroform
C. Methanol
D. Petroleum ether

Answer: C. Methanol 

4. Which of the following methods is most suitable for extracting thermolabile constituents?
A. Soxhlet extraction
B. Microwave-assisted extraction
C. Cold maceration
D. Decoction

Answer: C. Cold maceration 

5. In percolation, the process of packing powdered drug in the percolator is called:
A. Digestion
B. Loading
C. Charging
D. Marc packing

Answer: C. Charging 

6. The process of extracting active principles from a drug using repeated extraction with smaller volumes of solvent is called:
A. Multiple maceration
B. Successive solvent extraction
C. Fractional extraction
D. Counter-current extraction

Answer: A. Multiple maceration 

7. Which extraction method uses two immiscible liquids to separate compounds based on their solubility?
A. Supercritical fluid extraction
B. Liquid-liquid extraction
C. Steam distillation
D. Infusion

Answer: C. Steam distillation

8. What is the primary advantage of using supercritical CO₂ extraction?
A. High-temperature tolerance
B. Low selectivity
C. Solvent-free product
D. Faster evaporation

Answer: C. Solvent-free product 

9. In continuous hot extraction, the most common apparatus used is:
A. Dean-Stark apparatus
B. Soxhlet apparatus
C. Clevenger apparatus
D. Rotary evaporator

Answer: B. Soxhlet apparatus 

10. Which method is traditionally used for extracting volatile oils from fresh plant material?
A. Percolation
B. Maceration
C. Steam distillation
D. Soxhlet extraction

Answer: C. Steam distillation 

11. The liquid obtained after maceration and filtration is called:
A. Marc
B. Menstruum
C. Percolate
D. Infusate

Answer: C. Percolate 

12. In percolation, the drug is moistened with solvent for a certain period before packing to allow:
A. Swelling of plant tissue
B. Decrease in solubility
C. Removal of solvent
D. Concentration of extract

Answer: A. Swelling of plant tissue 

13. Which factor does NOT significantly influence the efficiency of extraction?
A. Particle size of crude drug
B. Solvent polarity
C. Temperature
D. Colour of crude drug

Answer: D. Colour of crude drug 

14. The method involving heating the plant material with solvent in a closed system under pressure above its boiling point is called:
A. Infusion
B. Decoction
C. Pressurized liquid extraction
D. Percolation

Answer: C. Pressurized liquid extraction 

15. In successive solvent extraction, solvents are generally used in order of:
A. Increasing boiling point
B. Increasing polarity
C. Decreasing polarity
D. Random order

Answer: B. Increasing polarity 

16. What is the plant residue left after extraction called?
A. Menstruum
B. Percolate
C. Marc
D. Infusate

Answer: C. Marc 

17. The process of extracting water-soluble active constituents by boiling plant material in water is called:
A. Decoction
B. Infusion
C. Maceration
D. Percolation

Answer: A. Decoction 

18. Microwave-assisted extraction offers the following advantages EXCEPT:
A. Reduced extraction time
B. Lower solvent consumption
C. High energy requirement
D. Preservation of thermolabile compounds

Answer: C. High energy requirement 

19. Which of the following is most suitable for the extraction of fixed oils from seeds?
A. Steam distillation
B. Soxhlet extraction with nonpolar solvent
C. Cold maceration in water
D. Infusion

Answer: B. Soxhlet extraction with nonpolar solvent 

20. In pharmacognosy, the term ‘Menstruum’ refers to:
A. The solvent used for extraction
B. The insoluble plant residue
C. The concentrated extract
D. The powdered crude drug

Answer: A. The solvent used for extraction 

Created by: Nabin Bista – Pharma Info Nepal | For Pharma Classes & NPC/Loksewa Preparation: Viber: 9868719471

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