Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

The extraction and isolation of plant pigments are critical parts of the procedures used for pigment analysis. Commelina benghalensis a medicinally important wild leafy vegetable chosen for this study was extracted with the best suitable solvents to maximize lutein extraction and for complete removal of chlorophyll. Different types of solvents in various combinations were tried for maximizing the lutein yield and complete removal of chlorophylls. We found that diethyl ether/methanol in the ratio of 2:1 (v/v), partition with NaCl followed by overnight saponification and re-extraction and separation with DE and distilled water, respectively was efficient in extraction of lutein and complete removal of chlorophylls. The entire extraction steps were carried out at room temperature 26 ± 2°C. UV-Vis spectrum and HPLC analysis of lutein indicated the absence of chlorophylls in all samples Yield of lutein was 110-120 mg/100 g dry weight of Commelina benghalensis
Keywords: Green leafy vegetable, lutein, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b