Extraction and Evaluation of Some Phytochemcial and Physicochemical Properties of Hibiscus rosasinensis Mucilage

Hibiscus rosasinensis (HR) is a shrub belonging to Malvaceae. The leaves of ethanolic extract of HR exhibited antidiabetic activity. Mucilage is present in leaves of HR. The objective of this research is to extract and evaluate the mucilage of HR. Leaves were collected and slurry was prepared which was precipitated using ethanol. The precipitates were separated and dried. The dried mucilage was subjected to various phytochemical and physicochemical tests. The extracted mucilage shows the presence of carbohydrates, reducing sugar and mucilage whereas glycoside, alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids and tannins was absent. The moisture sorption test reveals that the mucilage can sorbed moisture and has ability of swelling in water as shown by result of swelling index test. Other physicochemical studies indicate that the mucilage has properties to be used as excipient. FTIR spectrum shows the presence of various functional groups and bonds it possesses. It can be concluded that the mucilage can be used to prepare dosage form. However, as it can absorb moisture, the prepared dosage form should be packed suitably to avoid the contact of moisture.