Crude Alkaloid from Areca Catechu Linn (Betel Nut Palm) for Pharmaceutical-Agribusiness
Prof. Rony L. Villaflores, PhD; Victor O. Lipata

Abstract
The alkaloid is nitrogen-containing compound. It is the most efficient and therapeutically significant plant substance for human health. This study determined the physical properties of Areca Catechu Linn. (Betel nut palm) Leaves, roots, and fruits extract determined the presence of alkaloid and percent yield. The preparation for the extraction of the crude alkaloid started the collection of the sample plant; physical characterization; determination of alkaloid; extraction of crude alkaloid; and percent yield determination. It showed that the leaves extract has 45% yield, roots have 35% yield, and the fruits have 40% yield. The physical properties showed that leaves extract has a boiling point 95oC roots extract 94oC, and fruits extract96oC. The leaves extract are green in color, the roots are brown, and the fruits are white. Leaves, roots, and fruits are pleasant, acidic, less dense in water and polar. The presence of alkaloid showed leaves extract is positive. The leaves underwent alkaloid extraction using-alkali-immiscible solvent. The percent of crude alkaloid extract in trial one is 1.8%, trial two has a percent yield of 0.92, and in trial three has a 5.22% percent yield. It found that betel nut palm leaves extract positive of alkaloids and a source for pharmaceutical purposes. The researchers recommend for further study of chemical separation and purification of the active components in betel nut palm used in drugs, also, use other methods and technique for crude alkaloid extraction by using different solvent.

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