Analysis of beta-carotene from Malawians grown carrots for pharmaceuticals and food colourings
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Date
2021-03-04
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Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
Type of study/Place of study: The research design is an experimental method and will be
conducted at the Pharmacy laboratories.
Background and Introduction: Carrot is one of the important root vegetables. It has a long
history of use by Malawians, traditionally being used in salad. However, carrot has medicinal
properties, particularly as antioxidant and anticancer due to presence of carotenoids most
commonly β-carotene. The use of β-carotene from carrots in food and pharmaceutical products
increase intake of micronutrients which are essential for body processes. In Malawi up to date
no research has been conducted to analyze β-carotene from the Malawian grown carrots for
pharmaceuticals and food colorings.
Study Objectives: The main aim of this work is to investigate the physicochemical properties
of β-carotene from Malawian grown carrots for application in food and pharmaceutical
products. The specific objectives of this study include; to establish the β-carotene levels from
carrots grown under different ecological zones, to determine the stability of β-carotene
extracted from carrots obtained from different sources and to determine the solubility of β-
carotene in oil-water (o/w) interfacial solvent system.
Methodology: Carrots will be collected from the garden at Bvumbwe and Sangano in Thyolo
and Ntcheu districts respectively. This is because these districts have different climatic
conditions and soil type which might affect levels of β-carotene. Carrots will be randomly
collected and kept at room temperature and the analysis will be done at COM Pharmacy
laboratory. The carrot roots will be grinded or crushed and the extract where the β-carotene
will be produced is extracted using suitable solvents. Solvents will be used for the extraction
and the extracts will be tested for the presence and concentration of β-carotene using a standard
method outlined in methodology.
Data Management and Dissemination: All the data collected will be presented and recorded
in Microsoft Excel 2016and statistical analysis will be done using Epi info. It is expected that
the results will positive. The results of this study will be disseminated to the following bodies
COMREC, Pharmacy department, Undergraduate research project coordinators and COM
library
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Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE