Investigation of the Emulsification and Demulsification Abilities of Gmelina Arborea Leaves Extract in Oil-In-Water Emulsions

The emulsifying and demulsifying abilities of ethanol, n-hexane and distilled water extracts of Gmelina arborea leaves in oil-in-water phase was investigated. Quantitative and qualitative phytochemical analyses of the extracts were done by GCMS method. The results obtained showed the presence of many bioactive compounds like saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tanins etc. The emulsification and demulsification tests were carried out at different volume concentrations of the extract and different time, using total volume of water separated as the yard stick. The results obtained revealed that the ethanol and distilled water extracts emulsified the liquid mixture while the n-hexane extract demulsified the solution formed. This is attributed to the surfactant molecules found in the extracts which reduced the interfacial tension between the two liquids. The surfactant molecules (saponins) were more in the ethanol extract than the distilled water extract. Only the n-hexane extracts demulsified the mixture. This attributed to the presence of dehydrating compounds in the extract (Terpenoids). Synthetic demulsifier was used for comparison sake and it was able to the break the oil-in-water emulsion easily. This is attributed to the concentration of the constituents compared to the natural demulsifier.