Optimizing conditions for gallic acid extraction from Caesalpinia decapetala wood.

Caesalpinia decapetala is a wild plant found in the Sub-Himalayan tract and planted in hedges throughout in India. The bark of Caesalpinia decapetala is a rich source of tannins. It has been used in treatment of jaundice, stomach disorders and biliousness. The leaves and root are used as purgative and emmenagogue. The process described in this paper outline the extraction of gallic acid from Caesalpinia decapetala which is used as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Optimization of various solvent extraction parameters was performed to assess maximum yield of gallic acid from Caesalpinia decapetala wood. The extraction parameters optimized are solvent, temperature and time for extraction. Optimization was carried out by performing different sets of experiments. The most suitable conditions for extraction of gallic acid were found to be extraction at temperature (65-70(o)C), extraction time 48 hours and solvent composition Ethanol: Water (70:30). At these optimum extraction parameters the maximum yield of gallic acid obtained is 17.85%.