Characterization of Pectin from Cincau ( Premna Oblongifolia Merr.) Leaves

Abstract

Pectin are polymer of D-galacturonic acids that connected by α-1, 4 glucosidic. Cincau (Premna oblongifolia Merr.) leaves known as natural source of pectin. This research was aimed to investigate the characeristics of pectin extracted from cincau leaves (Premna oblongifolia Merr.) using direct heating extraction method. The result of pectin characterization indicated that equivalent weight of 1162.72 mg, methoxyl of 5.06%, galacturonic content of 59.84%, and the degree of esterification of 48.01%. The conclusion of this study showed that pectin extracted from direct heating extraction were classified as low methoxyl pectin (esterification degree < 50%).