Thesis (MSc) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Pharmacognosy Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 57-66)

ABSTRACT
Saccharum officinarum L. (sugarcane) is a large, strong growing species of grass in
the genus Saccharum from the Poaceae family. It is rich in sucrose and is responsible
for roughly 70 % of the world’s sugar production. The aim of the research is to evaluate
the stability of natural colorant from Saccharum officinarum peels in paracetamol
syrup. The powder peels and the extract were evaluated for Evaluate macroscopic
features, physicochemical properties (e.g., moisture content, total ash, acid insoluble
ash extractive values using water, ethanol and petroleum ether), phytochemical
constituents, antioxidant activity (DPPH, H2O2 and beta-carotene), and the stability of
the colorant in paracetamol formulation was assayed. The organoleptic evaluation
revealed brownish colour, fine powder, odourless powder, and tasteless powder. The
phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins and triterpenoids. The
moisture content, total ash, acid insoluble ash extractive values using water, ethanol,
and petroleum ether were found to be 0.58%, 0.629%, 7.75%, 8.1%, 4.9 %, and 0.4%
respectively. The extract demonstrated antioxidant activity on DPPH with highest
(91.51%) at 0.625 mg/mL and lowest at (83.09%) 10 mg/mL. The H2O2 assay showed
lowest percentage inhibition at 10 mg/mL (874.96%) and at 0.625 mg/mL (97.49%).
The beta-carotene showed similar pattern. The extract was found to stable in the
paracetamol syrup formulation.
Keywords: Natural colourant, Paracetamol, Saccharum officinarum L, Sugar Cane.