Extraction and characterization of mucilage from <i>Crotalaria senegalensis</i> Linn (Family – Fabaceae)

Abstract

Mucilages from the leaves, stem and root of Crotalaria senegalensis Linn. (Fam. Fabaceae) has been extracted using both the cold and hot extraction methods. The results obtained showed that the hot extraction method (HEM) is a better extraction method than the cold extraction method (CEM) as the yields were:- 10.2%; 5.9% and 1.2% w/w (HEM) as opposed to: 8.0%; 3.7% and 1.0% w/w (CEM) for the leaves, stem and root respectively. Characterization of the mucilage showed that it is composed of galacturonic acid, fructose, arabinose, galactose and xylose. The elemental analysis indicated the presence of magnesium.

Key words: Crotalaria senegalensis; Mucilage; Extraction; Characterization

Nig. J. Pharm. Res. 3(1) 2004: 106-109