Quantitative Extraction of Chlorophyll a and Chlorophyll b from Eight Medicinal Plants Using the Arnon Method

Abstract

Chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b are essential pigments involved in photosynthesis, contributing significantly to plant metabolism and medicinal properties. This study aimed to extract and quantify chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b from eight selected medicinal plants viz., Ocimum tenuiflorum, Leucas aspera, Hyptis suaveolens, Catharanthus roseus, Boerhavia diffusa, Simarouba glauca, Phyllanthus emblica, Coleus amboinicus, using the Arnon method. The medicinal plants chosen for this research are widely known for their therapeutic properties and biochemical diversity. The standardized protocol involved homogenization of fresh leaf samples in a 80% acetone solution, followed by spectrophotometric analysis to determine chlorophyll content. The results revealed variations in pigment concentrations among the species, reflecting their ecological adaptations and potential medicinal value. The findings provide critical insights into the photosynthetic efficiency and biochemical composition of these plants, paving the way for further studies on their pharmacological applications.