Phytochemical Analysis of Star Anise and Clove Ethanolic Extracts

Lim, Pei Shan (2017) Phytochemical Analysis of Star Anise and Clove Ethanolic Extracts. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Star anise (Illicium verum) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) are the valuable spices that have been employed for centuries as medicinal plants. In the study, the bioactive compounds in star anise and clove that are responsible for possible health benefits were elucidated. The star anise ethanolic extract (SEE) and clove ethanolic extract (CEE) were subjected to phytochemical analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis. The detection of phenolic compounds was done through thin layer chromatography (TLC). The results for phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of fixed oil, tannins and phenolic compounds, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides and flavonoids in both SEE and CEE while saponin was detected only in SEE. Phytochemicals such as fixed oil, phenolic compounds, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides are known to be responsible for anti-oxidative activities. GC-MS analysis further revealed a high abundance of essential oil, eugenol in CEE, and a relatively low abundance of an unidentified volatile phenol and anethole in SEE. Eugenol had been reported to be a potent antioxidant and antimicrobial agent, similarly anethole was also found to possess antimicrobial activity. As for TLC, phenolic compounds such as quercetin and gallic acid were tentatively identified in the CEE. In view of that, both extracts possessed high potentials to be effective antioxidants. Hence, both SEE and CEE contain the potent bioactive compounds for beneficial effects.