Investigation of Tannin content in Diospyros mespiliformis Extract using Various Extraction Solvents

Abstract

The present study was aimed to evaluate the tannin content accumulated in the unripe fruit, leaf and bark of D. mespiliformis (African Ebony) using acetone, methanol, aq. Methanol, hot and cold water extracts. A quantitative test was conducted on the extracts and a blue blackish precipitate was observed which indicates that the tannins were hydrolysable. The study revealed that the unripe fruits have the highest accumulation of tannin content but the extract weight was significantly higher in aq. methanol extract (15.94 g) and acetone extracts (13.52 g) from 100 g of dry samples. This was followed by the tannin extracted weight of the leaf in acetone and aq. Methanol extracts having 12.35 g and 11.55 g respectively while the acetone extracts from the bark was 12.33 g. Furthermore, the extracted weight of natural solvent (hot and cold water) was low hence, it is concluded that more tannin are extracted with aqueous methanol and acetone amongst others. Consequently, conservation of D. mespiliformis is highly important therefore, it is suggested that the leaves should be used instead of the fruits because of regeneration;