Extraction and Spectrophotometric Determination of Chlorophyll Content and Carotenoids from Cocos nucifera L. Leaf using Various Solvents in Saurashtra Region

Abstract

Chlorophyll and carotenoids are significant photosynthetic pigments present in higher plants, algae and cyanobacteria. Plants contain three major pigments called chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and chlorophyll c. Chlorophyll participates in the photosynthesis process, which transforms light energy into chemical energy. Species differences in chlorophyll pigment concentration exist. Orange, yellow and vivid red colors in vegetables and fruits are due to carotenoids. The health of plants is significantly influenced by these two pigments. In addition to having excellent antioxidant qualities, chlorophylls and carotenoids show therapeutic effects on oxidative and inflammatory disorders. They also possess anti-cancer effects. Chlorophyll and carotenoids support healthy blood coagulation and help in protecting skin, hormonal balancing, and deodorization. The major objective of this study is to identify plant with a high content of carotenoids and chlorophyll since both of these bioactive compounds have several applications in herbal medicine. In the current work, carotenoids and chlorophyll were extracted from three varieties of Cocos nucifera L. – Dwarf, DT and tall of Veraval coast
of Saurashtra region, Gujarat using DMSO, methanol, diethyl ether and 80% acetone. The amounts of chlorophyll and carotenoids were measured using a spectrophotometer. Maximum extraction of chlorophyll and carotenoids was found in methanol and DMSO from the leaves of the dwarf variety of C. nucifera L.