Extraction of chlorophyll from 'mukunuwenna'

Abstract

Chlorophyll is the green colouring matter found in many plants formed in the chloroplast of their cells usually under the influence of sunlight and is necessary for the process of photosynthesis. Amongst the main types of chlorophyll exist in natural plants; chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b are very important. Chlorophyll and chlorophyll derivatives are used in the industry as a stable, non-toxic, physiologically harmless colorant of foods, cosmetics and medicines. Chlorophyll with 0.1% or less metal can be used as gasoline additive and has a definite antiknock effect. Chlorophyll accelerates the vulcanization of rubber [1]. Furthermore the anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic activities of chlorophyll have been proved and hence some studies are being carried out to use it in medicines [2].