Method for the estimation of Saponin content

Method for the estimation of  Saponin content

Reagent  Required :

Methanol L.R. Grade, Acetone L.R. Grade

Glass wares and Apparatus Required:

R.B. flask, condenser,  funnel, filter paper No. 1, glass rod, Evaporating dish, beaker 250mL.

            

Procedure:

Weigh accurately about 3gm of dry extract powder in a 250mL R.B. flask & add 50mL of methanol L.R. Grade and reflux on water bath for 1 hour. Cool & filter. Repeat the process two times more in the same manner. Combine all the three extracts ( filtrate). Reduce the volume of the combined filtrate to 15mL to 20 mL and add the same drop wise with continuous stirring to 50 mL acetone in a pre-weighed dish. Allow the ppt. to settle for an hour. Decant the upper layer and dry the precipitated  portion on  water bath ( avoid bumping). Finally dry in an oven at 80^oC to 90^oC to constant weight. Cool it in dessicator and weigh.

Calculation:

Percentage of  Saponin content (w/w) is calculated as:

(A – B)  X 100

          W

Where :

A   =  Weight of  residue + empty dish

B   =  Weight of empty dish

W  =  Weight of sample taken

For raw material : 10 gm sample (20 # ) is to be taken in the case of raw material and the quantity of  methanol shall be increased accordingly. Rest of the method is same as above.