Tannin Extraction and Analysis in Telfairia occidentalis Seeds: A TLC and UV-based Approach

In this study, we extracted tannins from Telfairia occidentalis seeds and identified them using thin layer chromatography (TLC) in conjunction with ultraviolet (UV) analysis. We employed the "spot matching" technique to obtain numerical values, tallied, and represented them. TLC revealed three distinct spots with Rf values of 0.37, 0.41, and 0.56. UV analysis further confirmed these compounds, depicting different colors: diosgenin showed dark green, glycyrrhizin appeared purple, and an unidentified tannin with an Rf value of 0.56 was black. Researchers can use this TLC-UV method to help them find and possibly separate bioactive compounds from Telfairia occidentalis seeds. These compounds could be used in the pharmaceutical industry and for other sustainable productions.