Processing at (S.Ă.L.V.I.E.): science and nature for well-being
At the S.Ă.L.V.I.E. Social Farm, the processing of medicinal plants is at the heart of our work. Here, knowledge of nature meets scientific rigour to turn high-value medicinal plants into extracts and active ingredients for the herbal medicine and pharmaceutical sectors. Our approach goes beyond industrial production: it combines innovation, inclusion and training to create a sustainable and responsible model of social farming.
From cultivation to certified raw material
Product quality starts in the field. Our medicinal plants, such as Salvia officinalis, Hypericum perforatum and Lavandula angustifolia, are grown according to strict protocols inspired by GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practices). These protocols ensure phytochemical integrity and the highest concentration of active ingredients, making the raw material ideal for the subsequent stages of S.Ă.L.V.I.E. processing.
Cutting-edge extraction techniques
Supercritical fluid extraction (CO₂)
To obtain pure extracts free of residual solvents, separating the bioactive compounds with maximum efficiency and reducing environmental impact. This stage of processing guarantees purity and high quality.
Ultrasound-assisted (UAE) and microwave-assisted (MAE) extraction
Preserves heat-sensitive compounds at low temperatures, shortens processing times and limits energy consumption, keeping the plants' therapeutic properties intact throughout processing.
Steam distillation
To isolate high-quality essential oils, separating the volatile compounds gently and naturally. A key step in processing to obtain pure aromas and active ingredients.
Optimised traditional methods
Percolation and maceration, with scientific control of parameters to combine ancient wisdom and modern technology, ensuring excellent processing results.
Laboratory quality control
Every extraction process is monitored in-house to guarantee safety, effectiveness and compliance with the highest standards, confirming the excellence of our processing.
Filtration and clarification
Removal of particles and impurities through microfiltration and clarification, to improve the purity, stability and yield of the extract, completing the processing cycle.
Quality assurance and product certification
Our in-house laboratory is committed to guaranteeing the quality of every product through rigorous testing. We carefully analyse the botanical quality of the raw materials and study their phytochemical profile to identify and quantify the active plant compounds. We check the presence and optimal concentration of active ingredients, rule out any contaminants or unwanted substances and carry out stability tests to make sure the therapeutic compounds remain effective over time.
Partnerships and training: processing as a driver of inclusion
Our S.Ă.L.V.I.E. processing is part of an ecosystem that promotes inclusion and training. Training pathways, as described on Training – the beating heart of the Gyerünk Project, give participants technical skills and new career prospects. Our commitment to eco-friendly practices follows the principles of environmental sustainability, and processing activities also add value in terms of social inclusion.
In this way, the S.Ă.L.V.I.E. Social Farm shows that quality production can be a vehicle for growth and social redemption.
Methodology and integrated approach
Our approach is based on a multidisciplinary team and on putting the person at the centre. Every intervention is shaped around the participants' needs, and the spaces are designed to blend harmoniously with the landscape. This integrated model ensures a constant flow of activities, from cultivation to processing and on to marketing, creating a virtuous cycle of production and shared value.
Further resources – and join us
For those who wish to explore the scientific aspects of processing medicinal plants, here are some authoritative external resources:
European Medicines Agency (EMA)
European guidelines and scientific assessments on quality, safety and efficacy.
Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA)
The national reference point for regulations, inspections and good practice.
World Health Organization (WHO)
An overview of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine.
European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP)
Scientific data, monographs and standards in herbal medicine.
PubMed Central (NCBI)
An open-access archive of peer-reviewed studies and publications.