Determination of gallic acid using different extraction solvent on Azadirachta indica / Nur Sakinah Noor Azman

Azadirachta indica (neem) is a member of the Meliaceae family, and its effectiveness as a health-promoting plant is attributed to its bio-active compounds. It has traditionally been used in Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Unani medicine, particularly in the Indian Subcontinent, to cure and prevent a various human diseases. The bio-active compounds found in the plant have shown the efficacy of neem leaves in medical and consumer goods. These bio-active 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 parameter towards the the extraction yield and amount of extracted bio-active compound has been very limited. Therefore, this research study was conducted in order to find a solvent capable of extracting the optimum extract yield and gallic acid. Acetone, ethyl acetate, and hexane were selected as extraction medium, and maceration technique was conducted to test which solvent yielded the most neem extract. The concentration of gallic acid in each extract was determine by using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) test was observed after the extract is obtained. The highest yield obtained was ethyl acetate extract about 13.59%, followed by acetone and hexane extract 3.23% and 1.06% respectively. The crude oil of extraction is all greenish brown and smelly, with a high viscosity of solution. The highest concentration of gallic acid was found from hexane extract with the value of 46.08ppm. Therefore, maceration extraction is considered as an alternative process for obtaining the bio-active gallic acid compounds with high concentration from neem leaves by using hexane as a solvents.