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A study of neem leaves: Identification of method and solvent in extraction

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DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2020.11.726

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Materials Today: Proceedings 42 (2021) 217–221

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Materials Today: Proceedings


journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/matpr

A study of neem leaves: Identification of method and solvent in


extraction
Norazlina Hashim a,⇑, Suhaila Abdullah a, Lili Shakirah Hassan a, Saidatul Radhiah Ghazali a, Rafidah Jalil b
a
Faculty of Engineering Technology, University College TATI, Jalan Panchor, Teluk Kalong, 24000 Kemaman, Malaysia
b
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: The efficiency of Azadirachta indica (neem leaves) to be used in medicine and consumer products is pro-
Received 2 June 2020 ven due to the bioactive compounds contains in the plant. The most effective solvent needs to explore to
Received in revised form 31 October 2020 optimize the extract yield. In this study, two methods of extraction were applied, Soxhlet, and immersion
Accepted 20 November 2020
techniques to study which method gives higher neem extract. Different solvents were used as an extrac-
Available online 8 January 2021
tion medium, methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane. The physical properties and stability tests
were observed after week 4 and week 8. The yield percentages collected from both methods were
Keywords:
recorded. All crude oil of extract gave brown color and smelly with high viscosity of the solution. The sed-
Neem leaves
Soxhlet extraction
imentation collected was less than 2 w/w% after 1500 rpm of centrifuging speed and 5 w/w% after
Solvent 3000 rpm of speed. The pH study showed all extracts gave low acidic after week 4 (5.6–5.9) and became
Bioactive compound neutral after week 8 (7.0–7.2) to determine the stability of the extract. The maximum percentage of yield,
Stability 22.0% obtained from ethanol extraction in the immersion method and 21.5% from Soxhlet extraction, sug-
gested ethanol enhanced the extract production. Distilled water was used in the immersion method to
study the potential of the solvent since it is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The extracted
amount was lower than obtained from other solvents and the maximum yield attained from extraction
at 90 °C. As conclusion, ethanol gave maximum yield at 90 °C of extraction.
Ó 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International Confer-
ence of Chemical Engineering & Industrial Biotechnology.

1. Introduction Besides, the neem flower also shows a medicinal effect. Neem
flower contains aromatics, fatty acids, steroids, hydrocarbon and
Since ancient times, several plants have been used medicinally sesquiterpenes. These active ingredients can be used in treating
to combat disease. Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem) is one of these intestinal worm, removal of phlegm and bile suspension [6,7].
plants and has been used for more than 2000 years in India and Neem seed and neem flower are seasonal, while, the neem leaves
neighboring countries. As proven scientifically, it has a wide spec- are obtained for the whole year. Thus, neem leaves will be further
trum of biological activity and classified in one of the most versa- studied in this research.
tile plants [1]. All parts of the tree, from seeds, flowers, twigs, Some methods were implemented by researches to obtain the
barks, roots and leaves have their medicinal potential to humans. maximum amount of neem leave extraction. Most of them used
Part of it, the leaves of the neem tree are traditionally used in solvent as an extraction medium in collecting the yields with dif-
medicinal preparations purposely for anti-inflammatory, antibac- ferent methods of implementation. Jamal et al. extracted neem
terial, antiviral, antioxidant hepatoprotective and others [2,3],[4]. leaves by using three different solvents, acetone, ethanol and dis-
Neem seed has the most oil content among the parts of the neem tilled water at 35 °C by shaking at 150 rpm within 3 h [8]. They
tree. It contains around 45% oil including oleic acid, linoleic acid, found ethanol was the best solvent in obtaining 75% of the yield
palmitic acid, stearic acid and arachidic acid [5]. This seed is func- of disinfectant. Akpuaka et al. used n-hexane as a solvent and
tional as anti-malarial, antipyretic, and antifungal. found 45 different constituents in the extract [9].
In another study, Kamarulzaman and coworkers used supercrit-
⇑ Corresponding author.
ical fluid (SCF) carbon dioxide (CO2) for neem leaves essential oil
extraction [10]. They found the SCF technique gave a higher oil
E-mail address: norazlinatatiuc@gmail.com (N. Hashim).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.11.726
2214-7853/Ó 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International Conference of Chemical Engineering & Industrial Biotechnology.
N. Hashim, S. Abdullah, Lili Shakirah Hassan et al. Materials Today: Proceedings 42 (2021) 217–221

yield of 0.6 wt% compared to the hydro distillation method which of neem extract and also to show absorption bands of existed func-
extracted only 0.1 wt%. In addition, SCF extraction uses environ- tional group in the sample with a scanning speed 200 nm/min and
mentally friendly solvent and time-saving. In the year 2018, Sonale bandwidth of 0.1 nm. All samples were further analyzed for stabil-
et al. also used SCF in neem seed powder extraction [11]. They ity in 40 days’ observation at room temperature and pH tests. The
found the extraction condition at 100 bar and 40 °C showed forty pH analysis of extracts was done by HORIBA Compact pH meter
volatile compounds corresponds to 92.39% of volatiles with the LAQUAtwin. Sediment analysis was carried out by Gyrozen cen-
major bioactive compounds like Terphinen-4-ol and 1- trifuge, Model 416. 10 ml of extract was centrifuge at 1500 rpm
Naphtalenol. and 3000 rpm in 10 min. Also, the percentage of extraction was
Hydro-distillation technique is another traditional method for calculated by using a weight ratio of samples as in Equation (1)
the extraction of volatile oil. Unfortunately, this kind of distillation where Wf is the final weight of extract and Wi is the initial weight
has disadvantages such as incomplete extraction [12], and high of the sample.
extracting temperatures bringing to the breakdown of thermally
labile compounds [13], altering the flavor and fragrance profile %Extract ¼ ðWf =WiÞx100% ð1Þ
[14], and leads to hydration reactions of chemical constituents
[15].
Since other researches only focused on one method in a study, 3. Result and discussions
the aim of the present contribution is to determine which method
that be able to produce the maximum neem leave extract. The two 3.1. UV–vis analysis of neem leaves extract
methods used were immersion and Soxhlet methods. The physical
properties of the extracts were done. Furthermore, further analysis Fig. 1 shows the UV–vis spectrum of neem leaves extract. This
in pH and stability of extract were undertaken to ensure the analysis is the simplest technique to identify the formation of
extracts were compatible and suitable to use for human. extract. Three peaks were detected, the first peak at kmax = 300 nm
of optical density 0.260; the second peak at kmax = 380 nm of opti-
cal density 0.249; and the third one at kmax = 390 nm also with
2. Material and methods optical density 0.249.

Several materials had been used in the current study and few
3.2. Comparison between Soxhlet and immersion method
steps were implemented during the preparation of samples till
analysis was completed.
The extraction of neem leaves was successfully done by Soxhlet
and immersion techniques. These extractions are implemented to
2.1. Materials separate compounds based on their relative solubility in two dif-
ferent immiscible liquids, usually water and organic solvent.
Neem leaves were collected from the area around the Faculty of Methanol is suitable for extracting both polar and non-polar
Chemical Engineering Technology, UC TATI. Methanol (MeOH), substances. This makes the phytochemical compounds of polar
ethanol (EtOH), ethyl acetate (EAc), and hexane (Hex) were sup- and non-polar can be brought out easily [16]. On the other hand,
plied by Sigma Aldrich, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. All ethanol is a polar solvent that readily mixes with water and break-
chemicals used were analytical grade with 95–98% of purity. ing down water-soluble molecules like chlorophyll [17]. Further-
more, ethyl acetate has two chemical and biological
2.2. Sample preparation characteristics which are medium polarity and minimum toxicity
on test strains [18]. Besides, hexane is used for extraction as sol-
The neem leaves were washed using distilled water. During the vent as its attributes such a simple recovery, non-polar nature,
drying process, the leaves were left under sunlight for three days. low latent heat of vaporization and has a high ability in selectivity
Then, the leaves were ground to powder form. Two methods were to solvent [19].
implemented to extract the neem leaves. In the first method, 26.0 g Since this study still at the preliminary stage, it is important to
neem leaves powder was extracted with 300 ml methanol solvent know the physical appearance due to its stability and to be used in
by using Soxhlet extractor in 2 hrs. After the extraction, it was fil- the cosmetic product. The extracts obtained from methanol, etha-
tered and the methanol solvent was evaporated completely by nol, and ethyl acetate for both methods are in liquid form at room
using a rotary vacuum evaporator, brand BUCHI R-215 manufac- temperature. Neem leave extract collected from the hexane solvent
tured by Buchi, German. The same steps were repeated by using produced liquid form right after extraction, but after a while, it
other solvents; ethanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane.
In the second method which was immersion extraction, the
neem leaves powder were weight around 26.0 g and were put in
a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bottle, followed by the insertion
of 300 ml methanol solvent. The bottle was tightly closed and
was placed in an oven at a temperature of 100 °C for 2 hrs. Further-
more, the solution was filtered and evaporated by using a rotary
vacuum evaporator. All extraction methods were repeated by using
ethanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane solvents. Distilled water (DW)
was used as an extraction solvent at room temperature (25 °C),
50 °C, 70 °C, and 90 °C for 2 hrs in the immersion method. This pur-
posely compares whether the distilled water has the potential to
be used as a medium in extraction since it has low cost compares
with other solvents.
The UV–vis equipment, the Shimadzu UV-1800 was used to
measure the different molecule absorbs at a different specific
wavelength of the UV–vis region of the electromagnetic spectrum Fig. 1. The absorption spectrum of the aqueous extract of the neem leaves.

218
N. Hashim, S. Abdullah, Lili Shakirah Hassan et al. Materials Today: Proceedings 42 (2021) 217–221

Table 1 week 4, the extracts showed dark brown color and gave a strong
Sediment obtained after extraction. smell due to the solvents used including distilled water. The oil
Extraction method Solvent Sediment (w/w %) extracts also showed low in viscosity. After week 8, the brown
1500 rpm 3000 rpm color became lighter and the smells less stinging and reduced over
time. Besides, the collected extracts exhibit a more viscous solution
Soxhlet MeOH, EtOH, EAc, Hex, DW 2% 5%
Immersion
after two months of observation. Yet, the strong smell of neem
should be avoided if the final applications are as an active ingredi-
ent in a consumer product.
The stability test is important to be examined since the neem
Table 2 leave extracts are proven to be used as medicines and have to be
Physical properties of neem leaves extract for Soxhlet and immersion methods for all
solvents.
stored in a long time. Furthermore, it has the potential to be imple-
mented in beauty and health products nowadays like skincare,
Time (week) Stability observation toothpaste, and hair shampoo. One of the criteria is, the extracts
Color Odor pH need to biocompatible with major cosmetics ingredients such as
4th Dark brown Strong smell 5.6–5.9 Plantacare, Texapon, and Carbopol Aqua [20].
8th Light brown Light smell 7.0–7.9 As an antiviral agent, traditionally, neem leaves are rubbed
directly onto the affected skin against poxviruses such as smallpox,
chickenpox, and warts [21]. After the time being, for easier applica-
tion, the extracts could be added into skincare products such as
lotion, scrub, or liquid wash. Nevertheless, the key point here is
the pH of the solution. Table 2 shows the stability of neem leaves
and the pH for all solvents, methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, hex-
ane and distilled water. All solvents show similar results. The pH
obtained from all extracts after week 4 was around 5.6 to 5.9 which
is low acidic and became neutral, around 7.0 to 7.2 after week 8 of
examination. The acidity indicator is important when formulating
for sensitive skin (‘‘The importance of pH in cosmetic formulation,”
2014). Each skin care product has a suitable pH. For example, the
common range of pH for lotions is 5.1–5.3 [22], cleansers (4.5–7),
toners (5–7), and sunscreens (5–7.5) [23]. This means all extracted
oils are suitable to be used as an active ingredients cosmetic prod-
ucts. Besides beauty, it is also believed to have the capability of
curing several diseases.
Fig. 2. The number of neem leaves extracts obtained from two different methods.

became solid at room temperature due to the hexane becomes


volatile at room temperature. Also, the extract collected from dis-
tilled water was in liquid form.
Sediment determination was done to eliminate the particles
and ensure the yield containing almost 100% of oil extract. As
shown in Table 1, two rotating speeds of centrifuge were run to
study the effect of the factors in forming sedimentation for all sol-
vents. 3000 rpm of rotating speed was more efficient to eliminate
the neem leave sediment which was less 5%. Centrifuging at
1500 rpm discarded lower infiltrate, produced less than 2% of
sediment.
Table 2 shows the observation of stability characteristics and
obtained sediment for neem leaves extracts after week 4 and week
8 of storage at room temperature. Overall, the stability of extracts
showed the same observation for all of them, and changes could be
Fig. 4. The percentage of neem extract by using distilled water at different
seen in a period of the experiment. At initial examination until temperature.

Fig. 3. Appearance of fungi for extracts at (a) 25 °C and (b) 50 °C.

219
N. Hashim, S. Abdullah, Lili Shakirah Hassan et al. Materials Today: Proceedings 42 (2021) 217–221

Table 3
The properties of neem leave extract for distilled water.

Time (week) Extraction temperature Stability observation


Color Odor Viscosity pH Sediment
1500 rpm 3000 rpm
4th 70 °C Light brown Strong smell Low 8.0 5.0 wt% 5.0 wt%
90 °C Dark brown Light smell Low 8.0
8th 70 °C Light brown Strong smell Low 8.0
90 °C Dark brown Light smell Low 8.0

Fig. 2 shows the amount of neem leaves extracts from Soxhlet Fig. 4 shows the number of extracts after using immersion
and immersion methods. The methanol solvent gave only 16.0% extraction at different temperatures. At 25 °C, 50 °C and 70 °C,
of extract from Soxhlet extraction, while the immersion method the % increased from 1.3% to 4.8% and reached at 16.4%, respec-
contributed 18.0% of neem extract. Methanol is an amphiphilic tively. At maximum temperature, 90 °C, the amount was 16.5%. If
compound and has a polarity index of 5.1. Among all alcohols, the fungi growth factor is neglected, water tends to be an excellent
methanol has a lower boiling point, 65 °C, and can extract various medium in extraction as reported by other findings [29,23]. The %
polar compounds. A certain group of non-polar compounds is fairly of extract became higher when the high temperature of immersion
soluble in methanol which is not readily soluble in other solvents was used.
[24]. Hence, the extraction of bioactive compounds becomes easy Table 3 shows the properties of neem leave extracts at 70 °C and
and efficient. 90 °C after 4th and 8th weeks. After the 8th week, at 70 °C, the
In another extract, ethanol solvent helps in increasing of neem extract exhibited light brown and gave a strong smell. At 90 °C.
leave extract. The maximum value percentage, 22.0% obtained The viewed color was dark brown and a light smell was noted. Both
from the immersion method in ethanol solvent. The percentage extracts had low viscosity, the pH was 8.0 and less than 5.0% sed-
of the extract obtained from Soxhlet extraction was 21.5%. A study iment appeared after a rotation at 1500 rpm and 3000 rpm. This
by Tesfaye and Tefera in 2017 concluded the maximum yield of means the difference in extraction temperature had not influenced
neem leave extract in ethanol obtained after 3 hrs of extraction the properties of extracts. In a further study, the neem leave
time using the Soxhlet method [25]. Other factors such as particle extract will be used in lotion for a skincare product.
size of neem leave powder and temperature used during extraction
should be considered to gain better results. Recently, Adamu et al.
[26] also used ethanol in extraction against some clinical isolates. 4. Conclusion
They tested organisms such as Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia
coli, and Staphylococcus aureus and found that the neem extracts From all results, it can be concluded that the immersion method
have a bacteriostatic effect against gram-negative bacteria with a at 100 °C and Soxhlet method using ethanol produced a high per-
static effect against gram-positive bacteria. centage of oil extracts. The ethyl acetate solvent gave the same
Ethyl acetate solvent gave similar extraction ability which, the value of yield for both methods. While the Soxhlet method from
amount of oil extract was the same, 15.0% for both methods. Ethyl the hexane solvent exhibited better results than the immersion
acetate is less in toxicity likes ethanol. As reported by Al-Hashemi method. While the use of distilled water gave a lower percentage
and Hossain in 2016, different solvents gave different compounds of extract but still could be as an alternative if the environmentally
after extraction [27]. This due to the polarity of the solvent has dif- friendly solution is considered. In a further study, the complete
ferent separation abilities to each compound. They reported ethyl analysis will be done to ensure the effectiveness of neem extract.
acetate extract contains the highest phenol compound and lowest
in the water extract. While the highest antioxidant activity was
found in butanol extract and the lowest exhibited from hexane CRediT authorship contribution statement
extract.
Soxhlet extraction gave a 15.0% yield, a better result than the Norazlina Hashim: Formal analysis, Investigation, Data cura-
immersion method, which was only 13.0% for hexane solvent. tion, Writing - original draft, Writing - review & editing. Suhaila
The amount of hexane extract from Soxhlet was higher than Abdullah: Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation, Resources,
obtained from ethanol crude oil. The result is parallel with research Project administration. Lili Shakirah Hassan: Supervision,
by Liauw et al. [28] in 2006 by using ethanol and n-hexane solvents Methodology. Saidatul Radhiah Ghazali: Visualization, Methodol-
(Yuliana et al., 2008). They found that n-hexane gave around a 3.0% ogy. Rafidah Jalil: Visualization.
higher yield than ethanol. They compared the obtained extract by
running different temperatures during extraction. Instead, the
quality of extracted oil decreased by increasing values of saponifi- Declaration of Competing Interest
cation, peroxide, and fatty acid as an indicator of hydrolysis.
The extraction of neem leaves prepared from the immersion The authors declare that they have no known competing finan-
method gave different observations after 7 days. After 7 days, the cial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared
extracts obtained at 25 °C and 50 °C exhibited the appearance of to influence the work reported in this paper.
fungus on the top of the sample as in Fig. 3. While at 70 °C and
90 °C of sample preparation, no fungus was viewed. It means the
distilled water at these extraction temperatures is not suitable to Acknowledgment
be used as an extraction medium since the potential of fungi to
grow. Besides, the storage in the fridge maintains the disappear- The authors gratefully acknowledge UC TATI for providing lab-
ance of fungus of all extracts. In further analysis, only extracts with oratory facilities and financial support from Short Term Grant
no fungus as a sign of stability were used. (STG) 9001-2001 is appreciated.
220
N. Hashim, S. Abdullah, Lili Shakirah Hassan et al. Materials Today: Proceedings 42 (2021) 217–221

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