Potentiality of Roselle and Onion (Allium cepa) peel as Raw Materials for Producing Protocatechuic Acid in Tropical Malaysia: A Comparative Study

Mohamad Osman

doi:10.17485/ijst/2014/v7i11.6

Abstract

Protocatechuic acid from natural sources are widely used in human health. This study focuses on the presence of protocatechuic acid (PCA) in Rosselle ( Hibiscus sabdariffa ) and onion peel ( Allium cepa ). Collection of onion peel is difficult and amount is less than 1% in onion. Moreover, Malaysia is importing 100% from overseas. On the contrary, roselle is very common in tropical Malaysia and its calyx can be dried and preserved. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were used to identify protocathechuic acid (PCA) from the samples. TLC was performed on 20×20 cm Silica gel 60 F 254 aluminum sheets as TLC plates with mixtures of water-methanol-formic acid as mobile phase. TLC recorded the presence of protocatechuic acid in both of the samples. HPLC analysis was performed on C-18 in 250×4.6 mm steel column with methanol-water-formic acid in 25:75:0.5 ratio as mobile phase. The flow rate of the mobile phase was 1.0 ml/min and protocatechuic acid was detected at 260 nm of wavelength. The quantities of protocatechuic acid determined by HPLC in rosselle and onion peel were 0.014 mg in 30 g of dried samples extract and 0.25 mg in 30 g of dried extract, respectively. The amount of protocatechuic acid in onion peel extract was eighteen times higher compared to Rosselle extract but considering availability of raw materials in Malaysia, roselle might be used as good source of PCA production with potential economic feasibility.

Highlights

Roselle belongs to Hibiscus sabdariffa L., which is cultivated for its jute-like fiber and can be found in countries such as India, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Vietnam
The result of the Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was determined by Retention factor (Rf) value in both of the samples and standard (Table 3)
The present investigation indicated that Roselle and onion were appropriate sources for natural antioxidants as they showed the presence of hydrobenzoic acid

Summary

Introduction

Roselle belongs to Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (family Malvaceae), which is cultivated for its jute-like fiber and can be found in countries such as India, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Protoatechuic acid can be found in the calyces (flower) part of the rosselle sample[11] This active compound in roselle can treat hypertension[12], and heart disease[6]. It is Determination of Protocatechuic Acid from Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) and Onion (Allium Cepa) Peel: A Comparison Study proved that protoatechuic acid can protect humans’ body from liver damage[1]. This active compound can provide protection from cardiovascular disease[4], and induce prolification of abnormal cell[2]. It was tried to determine and compare the amount of Protocatechuic acid (PCA) between rosselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and onion peel (Allium cepa) samples and evaluation the potentiality of roselle and onion peel as raw material for producing PCA in Malaysia

Methods

Results

Conclusion