The Leaching of Natural Dyes from Avocado (Persea Americana Mill) Seeds Using the Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction Method and Its Application to Cellulose Fibers

The textile industry uses synthetic dyes because they are cheaper and easier to obtain. Moreover, the color availability is guaranteed and more varied. However, these synthetic dyes have a negative impact on health and the environment. The natural dye from avocado (Persea Americana Mill) seeds can become an alternative for synthetic dyes. Polyphenol compounds, such as tannins and flavonoids, are natural color sources found in avocado seeds. The extraction of natural dyes from avocado seeds is carried out by using a non-conventional method, namely ultrasonic-assisted extraction which has great efficiency and short operating time. In this study, researchers examined the parameters that affect the yield of dye extraction from avocado seeds, namely solvent concentration and extraction time. In addition, researchers also conducted qualitative analysis on the pigment content in the yield of extraction using UV-Visible Spectrophotometry and GC-MS tests. The results indicated that the highest yield obtained from avocado seeds was 16.6742% with 90 minutes extraction time using 70% ethanol solvent. Furthermore, if the dye is applied to cellulose fibers, such as the cotton cloth, the color will change depending on the fixator added. Based on the result of the UV-Visible Spectrophotometry test, the avocado seeds contain flavonoids. Meanwhile, from the result of the GC-MS test, the compound with the largest percentage detected in avocado seeds is the 13-Tetradecynoic acid, methyl ester (C15H26O2). The compound contains a chromophore, such as a carbonyl group (C = O) which is a common feature of flavonoids.

Determination of Arbutin in Herbal Medicinal Products

Arbutin is the main active ingredient in many herbal medicinal products that have diuretic, antimicrobial, bactericidal, and antioxidant effects. Many of these products are mixtures of different herbal substances. Therefore, the approaches to quality control of HMPs can vary significantly. The aim of the study was to compare arbutin assay procedures used in quality control of arbutin-containing products. Materials and methods. Samples of the following HMPs were used in the study: monocomponent Bearberry Leaf and multicomponent Brusniver® (herbal mixture, powder). The test methods used were titrimetry, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results. The authors compared five arbutin assay procedures described in the monographs and product files for arbutin-containing HMPs. Conclusions. It has been established that the analysed procedures cannot be used interchangeably as equivalent test methods; the limits for arbutin have to be established for each specific procedure. Iodometric titration is the most labour- and time-consuming method, and the determined titration endpoint is a subjective assessment. Spectrophotometric methods do not require the use of an arbutin reference standard, but they can give overestimated results as compared to the HPLC and titrimetry methods. HPLC methods are more selective, but they require the use of reference standards. The recommended test methods for HMP quality control are HPLC and visible spectrophotometry; the titrimetric method is recommended for replacement.