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Browsing Protocols by Subject "Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE"

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    Analysis of beta-carotene from Malawians grown carrots for pharmaceuticals and food colourings
    (Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2021-03-04) Fundi, Beatrice; Milanzi, Alinafe
    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