Single-step Method for the Extraction of Mucilage from Ocimum americanum L. Seeds

In this work, a single-step extraction method for removing the mucilage present in Ocimum americanum L. seeds was studied. The effect of various parameters on the yield of mucilage such as seed water ratio, speed of the agitator and temperature was also studied. Initially all the experiments were conducted in a 0.5-L glass beaker, and optimum parameters were determined. It was observed that temperature, speed and seed water ratio play an important role in the yield of mucilage. Then the experiments were extended in a 1.5-L stainless steel vessel designed for the above purpose. The kinetics of mucilage extraction at optimum conditions were also studied. It was found that there was a linear relationship exists between the yield of mucilage and time. The study further reveals that at optimum conditions almost complete recovery of mucilage will be possible within 50 minutes of extraction process.