Sciences

 Separation techniques: Thin layer chromatography. Gas chromatography. High performance liquid chromatography. Column chromatography. Other techniques: Fractional distillation. Crystallization. solvent Partitioning. Thin layer chromatography: Preparation: A thin layer of adsorbent material (like silica gel) is coated onto a solid support (usually glass, plastic, or aluminum). Spotting: A small amount of the mixture you want to separate is applied as a spot near the bottom of the TLC plate. Development: The TLC plate is placed in a container with a solvent (or a mixture of solvents) called the mobile phase. The solvent travels up the plate by capillary action. Separation: As the solvent moves, it carries the components of the mixture with it.   Visualization: Once the solvent has traveled a certain distance, the plate is removed from the container. The separated compounds may be visible, or they may need to be visualized using UV light, chemical sprays, or other metho...

 Methods of extraction: 1. Conventional Methods: Maceration: The plant material is soaked in a solvent at room temperature for a period of time. This is a simple method but can be time-consuming and may not be efficient for all phytochemicals. Percolation: The solvent is slowly passed through a column containing the plant material. This method can be more efficient than maceration but requires specialized equipment. Decoction: The plant material is boiled in water for a specific period. This method is traditionally used for extracting water-soluble phytochemicals but may degrade heat-sensitive compounds. Infusion: Hot water is poured over the plant material and allowed to steep. This is similar to making tea and is suitable for extracting heat-sensitive compounds. Soxhlet Extraction: This method uses a specialized apparatus to continuously extract phytochemicals with a volatile solvent. It is efficient but can be time-consuming and may degrade heat-sensitive compounds. 2...

  Phytochemicals are natural bioactive compounds found in plants. These compounds are not considered essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, but they play a crucial role in plant growth, development, and defense mechanisms. They are responsible for the vibrant colors, flavors, and aromas of fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods. Functions in Plants: Protection: Phytochemicals protect plants from various environmental stressors such as UV radiation, pests, diseases, and oxidative stress. Attraction: Some phytochemicals attract pollinators like insects and birds, aiding in plant reproduction. Signaling: They act as signaling molecules within the plant, regulating various physiological processes. Health Benefits for Humans: While not essential for survival, many phytochemicals have been associated with various health benefits for humans. These benefits are attributed to their diverse biological activities, including: Antioxidant activity: Many phytochemica...