Foundational Study on the Stability Limitations of Catechin from 𝑈𝑛𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑎 𝐺𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑖𝑒𝑟 in Aqueous Systems: Basis for Industrial Applications

This study is the first to report on the stability limitations of catechin from Uncaria Gambier in aqueous systems. Catechin, a flavonoid in Gambier extract, has limited commercial use, likely due to its color instability in aqueous formulations. This research examined catechin's stability in different solvent systems, focusing on water-based solutions. A ۱۰۰ mg/L solution of high-purity catechin was prepared in pure water, ۵۰% ethanol in water, and absolute ethanol. Its purity was confirmed through liquid chromatography. Stability was evaluated over eight days by measuring UV-Vis absorption spectra (۲۰۰-۸۰۰ nm) and color changes using organoleptic observation. During the ۸-day storage, catechin’s maximum absorbance remained stable at ۲۷۸–۲۷۹ nm in all samples, but spectral shape changes were observed. In solutions containing water, an increasing absorbance in the ۳۸۰-۴۵۰ nm range was detected, correlating with brown discoloration. This suggests transformation affecting visual appearance. In contrast, catechin in absolute ethanol showed no spectral changes, indicating superior stability in non-aqueous conditions. These finding showed that catechin content remains stable in aqueous systems, but color changes limit its use in water-based products. This study identified a key challenge affecting the market potential of catechin-derived products and emphasizes the need for stabilization strategies in aqueous formulations.

کلیدواژه ها:

brown ، product development ، Economical barrier ، water-based product ، Transformation