PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF NATURAL COLOR EXTRACT FOR AYURVEDIC SYRUP
The plant Butea monosperma is very popular among the peoples of Northern Ghana, where the leaves are used in soups; and calyces for soft drinks and also used medicinally. It has been found to possess several health benefits. The flower has a very rich orange colour, which this study aims as investigating its suitability as a coloring agent in pharmaceutical syrup. Materials and Methods: The plant parts (flowers) are used in experimental work for investigating the suitability of Butea monosperma extract as coloring agent for pediatric syrup.1kg of dried Butea Monosperma flowers were weighed out and spread out in a thin layer. After authentication, sample of Butea monosperma was washed for ten seconds in water (to avoid losing colour) Excess water was blotted from the sample with a clean towel, and dried in a hot air oven for four hours at 300oC before the extraction procedure. Then the solvent for extraction (water, drug solvent ratio taken 1:8) was filled in Soxhlet apparatus. After completion of the extraction procedure, the extract was taken out and evaporated up to semisolid consistency and then amount in percentages was determined in w/w. Result: The colour extract from Butea monosperma is found suitable as a pharmaceutical coloring agent. Tartrazine can be replaced with this natural source of colour, promoting the health of our people.