Analysis of Phytochemicals in Iresine herbstii Leaves Collected from Nyeri County, Kenya

The growing global concern over environmental pollution caused by synthetic dyes has driven increased interest in natural dyes as a sustainable alternative. Some synthetic dyes have been shown to have carcinogenic and mutagenic effects on organisms, including humans. This study focused on extracting and characterizing betalain dye from Iresine herbstii leaves to explore its potential as a natural dye source. Betalain dye was extracted using a solvent extraction method. The characterization was done using physical tests such as FT-IR, UV-Vis, and chemical tests. The percentage yield of betalain dye obtained after solvent extraction was 0.73±0.23 % (dw). The phytochemical test of the extract indicated the presence of betacyanin, which gives betalain a red-purple color. Chemical test results of the dye agreed with those of betalain from beetroot, which is the main source of betalain. Functional groups analysis confirmed the presence of O-H, C-H, C-O, C꓿C, and N-H bend. UV-Vis analysis showed a dominant absorption peak at 534 nm, indicating the presence of betacyanin. This peak was given by the uptake of conjugated double bonds contained in the extract's betalain structure, and the betacyanin content concentration was 730 ± 230 mg/100 g dry weight (dw). The findings highlight the potential of Iresine herbstii as a viable source of an eco-friendly dye from leaves and not tubers (such as beetroot), and contribute to efforts to reduce environmental pollution.