Extraction and Chromatographic Profiling of Ascorbic Acid from Emblica officinalis Root

Abstract

Background: Emblica officinalis (amla) is known for its vitamin C-rich fruit, but its root remains underexplored. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a vital plant antioxidant that plays essential roles in stress responses. We investigated E. officinalis root as a potential source of vitamin C, focusing on its extraction and profiling. Methods: Amla roots were dried, powdered, and extracted by Soxhlet with 95% ethanol. The concentrated extract underwent standard phytochemical tests for reducing compounds (iodine, ferric chloride, silver nitrate, nitroprusside). Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was performed on silica gel plates using various solvent systems to resolve ascorbic acid. UV-Visible spectrophotometry (200–400 nm) compared the extract’s absorbance spectrum against pure vitamin C. Results: All chemical assays gave positive indications of ascorbic acid in the root extract (Table 1). TLC yielded a single major spot; the optimal mobile phase (n-butanol: acetic acid: water, 4:1:5) produced Rf ≈0.48, matching literature values for ascorbate. Other solvent systems gave Rf≈0.83 and ≈0.78 (Table 2). The UV-Vis spectrum of the extract showed a peak at ~267 nm, consistent with pure ascorbic acid (λmax≈258–265 nm). Conclusion: These findings confirm that E. officinalis roots contain vitamin C. The established extraction and chromatographic protocol provides a basis for qualitative identification and future quantification of this antioxidant. Ascorbate in roots could contribute to the plant’s oxidative stress defence and overall physiology. This work lays the groundwork for utilizingAmla root in antioxidant profiling and plant defence studies.