Flowers as natural indicators
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Flowers as natural indicators
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Kavitha G., Aswathi V., Chinju Sara George, Rakhi Raju and Elessy Abraham
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Flowers as natural indicators
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20177-8804
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
The study explores the potential of using natural pigments from certain flowers, fruits, and vegetables as pH indicators in acid-base titrations. Unlike synthetic indicators commonly used in laboratories, these natural pigments, particularly anthocyanins present in plants such as Catharanthus roseus, Pisum sativum, and Euphorbia ligularia, demonstrate significant color changes when exposed to variations in pH. This phenomenon highlights their suitability for analytical applications, allowing for a proposed alternative to traditional synthetic pH indicators.
2) Natural Pigments as pH Indicators
Natural pigments derived from various plants belong to a class of compounds known as anthocyanins, which change color in response to the acidity or basicity of their environment. The study emphasizes that these pigments react distinctly to acidic and basic solutions, producing sharp and intense color changes that can effectively indicate pH levels. The specific plants studied�Catharanthus roseus, Pisum sativum, and Euphorbia ligularia—have been shown to have favorable pH ranges and coloring properties, making them excellent candidates for use as natural indicators in laboratory settings.
3) Experimental Methodology and Results
In the experimental approach, fresh flowers of the specified plants were collected and subjected to various tests. The acidic and basic properties of the extracts were evaluated using standard analytical reagents. The results indicated that the natural indicators performed comparably well to synthetic options, showcasing clear color transitions in responses to titrations involving hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. Specifically, observed color changes from pink in acid to green in base underscored the effectiveness of these herbal indicators in detecting pH changes.
4) Advantages Over Synthetic Indicators
The study points out several advantages of using herbal indicators over synthetic ones. Synthetic color indicators, while effective, pose risks related to toxicity, high costs, and environmental concerns stemming from production and disposal. In contrast, the natural indicators derived from the studied plants are not only economical but can also be prepared rapidly using simple methods prior to experiments. This accessibility ensures their practicality in educational and analytical settings while addressing sustainability and safety issues associated with synthetic counterparts.
5) Conclusion
The investigation concludes that herbal indicators from Pisum sativum, Catharanthus roseus, and Euphorbia ligularia can successfully substitute synthetic indicators for pH measurement in acid-base titrations. The study advocates for further research into the stability and application of these natural indicators, suggesting that they may offer viable alternatives in various fields, particularly in chemistry and food science. By harnessing the natural coloring agents from plants, the reliance on synthetic chemicals can be reduced, thereby contributing to safer and more sustainable practices in laboratory environments.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are natural pigments and their significance in pH indicators?
Natural pigments, such as anthocyanins found in flowers, fruits, and vegetables, change color with pH variations. They can be used as natural indicators in acid-base titrations, providing an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic indicators.
Which plants were studied for their indicator properties?
The study focused on three plants: *Catharanthus roseus*, *Pisum sativum*, and *Euphorbia ligularia*. These plants exhibited significant color changes in response to pH, making them suitable for use as natural indicators.
How were the extracts from the plants prepared for the study?
Extracts were made by boiling fresh flowers in water or methanol. The solutions were filtered to obtain clear liquids, which were then tested for pH and color changes in acidic and basic solutions.
What were the key findings of the research on herbal indicators?
The research demonstrated that herbal indicators provided sharp and intense color changes in acid-base titrations, proving to be accurate substitutes for synthetic indicators like phenolphthalein and methyl orange.
What are the advantages of using herbal indicators over synthetic ones?
Herbal indicators are simpler to prepare, more cost-effective, less hazardous, and environmentally friendly compared to synthetic indicators, which can pose health risks and availability challenges.
What future studies are suggested based on this research?
Future research should focus on the stability of herbal indicators, exploring the effects of storage conditions, light, and pH, potentially leading to their use in various applications, including food coloring.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Flowers as natural indicators�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Substance:
The term 'Substance' refers to the distinct chemical entities present in flowers, fruits, and vegetables that possess natural pigments, specifically anthocyanins, which change color in response to pH variations. Understanding these substances is crucial for developing natural indicators that could effectively replace synthetic chemical indicators in titration experiments.
2) Table:
In this context, 'Table' is used to organize data and present findings systematically regarding the specific characteristics and performance of natural indicators derived from flowers. Tables are vital for illustrating results clearly, allowing for easy comparison between different indicators and their effectiveness in acid-base titrations.
3) Activity:
The word 'Activity' refers to the functional properties exhibited by the natural indicators extracted from flowers. It demonstrates how these extracts can effectively indicate pH changes during titrations. Activity is evaluated through tests and experiments to gauge how well these natural indicators perform compared to synthetic ones.
4) Family:
In botanical classification, 'Family' denotes the grouping of species based on shared characteristics. In the study, the family designations of the studied plants, such as Fabaceae for Pisum sativum and Apocynaceae for Catharanthus roseus, highlight their relationships and help understand the relevance of each species in their potential uses as natural indicators.
5) Medicine:
The term 'Medicine' refers to the therapeutic use of plants and their extracts for health benefits. The study highlights the medicinal properties of Catharanthus roseus in Ayurveda, showcasing the dual role of this plant as both an indicator and a source of bioactive compounds used in traditional medicine.
6) Species:
The term 'Species' denotes specific kinds of plants studied for their potential as natural indicators. Identifying each species—namely Catharanthus roseus, Pisum sativum, and Euphorbia ligularia—establishes their individual characteristics, contributions to the research, and relevance in replacing synthetic pH indicators with natural alternatives.
7) Reason:
The word 'Reason' pertains to the underlying justification for using natural indicators over synthetic ones. The presence of anthocyanins in the studied plants provides a scientific basis for their effectiveness, which supports the research's hypothesis that natural sources can simplify analysis and reduce chemical hazards associated with synthetic indicators.
8) Indian:
The term 'Indian' signifies the geographic and cultural context of the study. It indicates that the plants used for extracting natural indicators are widely available in Indian gardens, and the traditional knowledge from Indian systems of medicine, like Ayurveda, enhances the significance and application of these findings.
9) Water:
The word 'Water' is crucial in the methodology for extracting natural indicators from plant materials. The use of boiling water to extract pigments reflects a simple and accessible method for obtaining these indicators efficiently. The choice of solvent impacts the quality and effectiveness of the extracted indicators.
10) Study (Studying):
The term 'Study' encompasses the systematic investigation conducted to analyze the pH indicator activity of natural plant extracts. This research aims to understand the potential of herbal indicators in academic and practical applications, supporting a wider shift away from synthetic chemicals in chemical analysis.
11) Discussion:
In scientific writing, 'Discussion' pertains to the section where results are interpreted and contextualized within the broader scope of knowledge. In this study, the discussion elaborates on the implications of the findings, comparing natural and synthetic indicators while considering their advantages and future applications.
12) Container:
The word 'Container' refers to the physical storage used to preserve the extracted herbal indicators. Proper containment is vital for maintaining the integrity of the extracts, protecting them from light degradation, and ensuring their usability in subsequent experiments, thus impacting the study's reliability.
13) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
The term 'Ayurveda' relates to the traditional Indian system of medicine that employs plant-based treatments. The relevance of Ayurveda in this research underscores the historical usage of Catharanthus roseus and emphasizes the potential for integrating traditional knowledge into modern scientific practices for natural indicators.
14) Colouring (Coloring):
The term 'Coloring' refers to the pigments extracted from plants that provide natural coloration, which is a pivotal characteristic of the studied indicators. This aspect is significant not only for their role in pH indication but also for potential applications in food and cosmetics as safe substitutes for synthetic dyes.
15) Disease:
The term 'Disease' highlights the medicinal relevance of Catharanthus roseus, which is used in traditional remedies for various conditions. Understanding the plants� role in treating diseases provides context to their use in the study, reinforcing the importance of multifaceted applications of these natural indicators.
16) Powder:
The term 'Powder' may relate to the extraction process using methanol or other solvents, where dry and powdered forms of the plant material can be utilized. The extraction method, including the possibility of powdered plant forms, influences the efficiency of obtaining indicators and contributes to the study's objectives.
17) India:
The term 'India' denotes the geographic focus of the research, emphasizing the local availability of the studied plants and the cultural background informing their use. This context is essential for understanding how traditional practices, environmental conditions, and available flora contribute to the study's findings.
18) Glass:
The term 'Glass' refers to the material of the containers used for storing extracts and conducting experiments. Using glass is significant for laboratory settings as it prevents reactions with the extracts, ensures clearer observations during tests, and maintains the integrity of the natural indicators being studied.
19) Field:
The term 'Field' may refer to practical aspects of research, particularly within scientific and environmental studies. The context implies both the experimental setting where the plants are observed and the broader context of the research field, which includes studies on natural indicators and their applications.
20) Sara (Shara):
The inclusion of 'Sara' refers to one of the co-authors, Chinju Sara George, in the research team. This highlights the collaborative nature of scientific research, emphasizing the importance of diverse contributions in exploring the potential of natural substances for practical applications, such as natural pH indicators.
21) Food:
The term 'Food' encompasses potential applications of the natural pigments as safe coloring agents in food products. The relevance of this study extends beyond chemical analysis, suggesting food safety benefits by replacing harmful synthetic dyes with natural alternatives sourced from plants.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Flowers as natural indicators�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Catharanthus roseus, Color change, Preparation Method, Herbal extract, Chemical hazards, Anthocyanin.