Physicochemical characterisation of ethanolic and aqueous Extracts of cinnamon bark and Aonla fruit

Abstract:

The present study investigated the influence of extraction solvent on the physicochemical characteristics of cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum verum), aonla fruit (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), and their combined extracts for potential nutraceutical applications. Dried powders of cinnamon bark and aonla fruit were extracted separately and in combination using 80% ethanol and distilled water through maceration, followed by physicochemical characterization. The evaluated parameters included pH, moisture content, water activity and total ash content. The results demonstrated significant solvent-dependent variations in extract quality. Ethanolic extracts exhibited comparatively higher pH, lower moisture content, lower water activity, and reduced ash content than aqueous extracts. Cinnamon bark extract showed the highest pH (5.80), lowest moisture content (5.03%), lowest water activity (0.24), and lowest ash content (4.50%) in ethanol. In contrast, aonla fruit extract exhibited the greatest acidity (pH 3.60), highest moisture content (7.11%), highest water activity (0.45), and highest ash content (6.80%). Aqueous extracts consistently displayed higher moisture retention, water activity, and mineral content, with aonla recording the maximum ash content (8.23%) and water activity (0.52). The combined cinnamon–aonla extracts showed intermediate values for all physicochemical parameters, indicating a balanced contribution of both plant materials. These findings demonstrate that solvent polarity plays a decisive role in determining the physicochemical quality and stability of plant extracts. Ethanol extraction produced extracts with lower moisture availability and water activity, suggesting enhanced storage stability, whereas aqueous extraction improved mineral recovery. The study provides valuable insights into selecting suitable extraction systems for developing standardised polyherbal formulations, functional foods, and nutraceutical products based on cinnamon bark and aonla fruit.: Aonla (Emblica officinalis); Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum verum).