The Potential Use of <i>Borassus flabellifer</i> Linn. Color Extract as a Natural Dye

Abstract

Palmyra (Borassus flabellifer Linn.) palm fruits are bright yellow and have a unique sweet scent. The ripe palm fruits are a rich source of carotenoids which are used as a non-toxic natural dye and have been recognized for their antioxidant benefits. This study aimed to explore the potential of palm fruit extract as a natural coloring agent. The ripe mesocarp of B. flabellifer was extracted using various organic solvents. The carotenoid content, polysaccharide composition, and antioxidant activity of the palm extracts were investigated. The ethanolic palm extract was selected for stability study in various conditions (pH, time, light, and temperature). Then, the extracted nanoemulsion loaded with B. flabellifer extract was formulated and evaluated. The ethanolic extract from the freeze-dried sample yielded high extractive content (42.9%) and showed the greatest antioxidant activity (IC50 2.4 mg/mL). The color intensity of the extract did not fade after exposure to a pH of more than 4. After the storage for 14 days, the color intensity significantly decreased. The light exposure did not influence the color intensity at 25°C. B. flabellifer ethanolic extracted nanoemulsions were successfully prepared by ultrasonication method with the oil to surfactant weight ratio of 1:9. The nanoemulsions loaded with ethanolic extract were stable. The nanoemulsion of the pulp extract could potentially be used as a natural dye.