Effect of using different types of solvent in the extraction of Azadirachta Indica (Neem Leaves) / Aqilah Nur Syafiqah Sarizan

Azadirachta Indica is one of the greatest herbs and contains several bioactive compounds which are believed to possess several therapeutic properties such as antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory disease. These bioactive compounds can be obtained by using an optimum and appropriate extraction parameter. The extraction parameters include suitable drying methods, suitable solvents to extract polar or non-polar compounds, types of extraction technique and others. However, the comparative scientific study on the effect of using different extraction parameters towards the extraction yield and amount of extracted bioactive compound has been very limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of using different types of extraction parameters focusing on different types of solvents towards the extraction yield and amount of extracted bioactive compound. The extraction process was implemented by using soxhlet technique by using Acetone, Ethyl-Acetate and Hexane as solvents. Then, the concentration of Gallic acid was determined by using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The findings revealed that the highest extraction yield was shown by the extract from Ethyl Acetate with the value of 13.26%. While that gallic acid was present in every extract and that the highest amount of gallic acid shown by the extract from Hexane with the value of 63.833 ppm. This finding showed that extraction efficiency varied depending on the solvent utilized. The highest concentration of Gallic acid was found in the hexane extract. This study highlights that Azadirachta Indica or neem leaves are one of the useful plants that contain most bioactive compounds such as Gallic Acid and it could be optimally extracted by using Hexane.