OPTIMIZATION OF PHYTOCHEMICAL EXTRACTION FROM PANDANUS AMARILLIFOLLIUS ROXB: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DRYING TECHNIQUES AND SOLVENT SYSTEMS

Abstract

Pandanus amaryllifiolus Roxb is a tropical plant. Pandan leaves offer potential especially for their function as a source of natural colours, aroma, and antioxidants. 2-Acetyls-1-pyrroline is the primary fragrance compound in Pandan leaves. This scent is essential since it acts as the primary contribution of favourable substances which could be good for physical condition and provide flavour for food products. Its sweetness and flavourful taste are known as a natural origin of flavouring. The extraction and qualitative phytochemical analysis of powdered Pandanus amaryllifolius (Pandan) leaves using various drying techniques and solvents are the main goals of the present study. Initially, Pandanus amaryllifiolus leaves were dried using different drying methods viz., shade dried and Hot Air Oven Dried and the dried samples were powdered and ground. Utilizing four solvents—chloroform, petroleum ether, acetone, and ethanol the powdered plant powder were separated using hot soxhlet extraction methods. Using standard qualitative phytochemical tests, the extracts were examined for the presence of bioactive substances like protein, carbohydrates, steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, glycosides, and triterpenoids. Results showed that the type of solvent and drying technique had a major influence on the phytochemical content. Despite non-polar solvents like petroleum ether and chloroform were better at extracting terpenoids and steroids, ethanol and acetone extracts displayed an increased number of polar in nature chemical compounds. Again the, the drying methods also plays a crucial role in the extraction of phytonutrients, In the present study, Hot Air Oven dried sample reported higher number of phytochemicals compared to shade dried P. amaryllifiolus Leaf samples. The research presented here emphasizes how Pandan leaves can be a rich source of natural phytochemicals as well as crucial extraction techniques are to optimizing compound recovery for possible pharmacological and nutraceutical effects.