Pushpa Jain* et al.

/International Journal Of Pharmacy & Technology

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ISSN: 0975-766X
CODEN: IJPTFI
Research Article

DAHALIA FLOWER SAP A NATURAL RESOURCE AS INDICATOR IN ACIDIMETRY

AND ALKALIMETRY
Poonam Gupta, Pushpa Jain*, Pramod Kumar Jain**

*Professor, Botany, Mata Jija Bai Govt. Girls Post Graduate College, Indore
**Professor, Chemistry, Govt. Holkar Science College, Indore.
Email: saral_1@yahoo.com
Received on 09-11-2012

Accepted on 12-12-2012

Abstract
Dahlia pinnata is a species of the genus dahlia, belonging to the family Asteraceae. The present study reported the
use of dahlia pinnata flower extract as an acid base indicator in different types of acid base titrations. The
equivalence point obtained by the flower extract coincided with the equivalence

point obtained by standard

indicators. The results obtained by the flower extract matched with the results obtained by mixed indicator in case of
strong acid and weak base, weak acid and strong base, strong acid and strong base, weak acid and weak base
titration. This natural indicator was found to be a very useful, economic, simple and accurate for the said titration.
Keywords: Dahlia pinnata, acid-base indicator, natural indicator.
Introduction
Flowers are symbolic; they are often regarded as symbol of love or as a token of well wishes. Even animal kingdom
is not untouched by the magic of flowers. Many herbivores feed on them while few birds and insects suck nectar
from these flowers and even provide final product like honey to the world. Flowers also attract the insects for
pollination. Thus flowers are miracle of the nature, by the God, for the world.
Titrimetric analysis refers to quantitative chemical analysis carried out by determining the volume of a
solution of accurately known concentration which is required to react quantitatively with a measured volume of a
solution of the substance to be determined. The process of adding the standard solution until the reaction is just
complete is termed as titration. Acidimetry and alkalimetry include the titration of free bases with a standard acid
and the titration of free acids with a standard base respectively. The reactions involve the combination of hydrogen
and hydroxyl ions to form water. In Europe and America, prior to the discovery of Insulin in 1923, diabetics as well

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as consumptives were often given a The discovery of Insulin in 1923, diabetics as well as consumptives were often
given a substance called Atlantic Starch or diabetic sugar, derived form inulin, a naturally occurring from of fruit
sugar, extracted from dahlia tubers. Inulin is still used in clinical tests for kidney functionality (Williams 1895).
The extract was preserved in tightly closed container and stored away from direct sunlight (Vishwas et al 2008).
Anthocyanidins (anthocyanins) are notable plant pigments, which are responsible for red-violet blue colour seen in
plant flowers. (Harborne J.B. 1998).
The intention behind this study is simply to bring in market the use of plant pigments and to increase the wealth of
traditional medicinal system of India which is mostly plant based and to help farmers regarding cultivation
collection of plants as well as to industry regarding preparation of natural indicators. (Pathade K.S. 2009).
The dahlia was declared the national flower of Mexico in 1963. (Harvey, Marian 1987).
The appearance of red color is due to presence of flavonoids, phenols and anthocyanins (P.S. Vankar 2008).
Red-fleshed peaches are rich in anthocyanins (Bolivar A. Cevallous -Casals, 2006).
The anthocyanins, anthocyanidins with sugar group (s), are mostly 3-glucosides of the anthocyanidins. The
anthocyanins are subdivided into the sugar free anthocyanidin aglycones and the anthocyanin glycosides. As of 2003
more than 400 anthocyanins had been reported (Kong JM, 2003).
Flavonoids have also been found to inhibit a wide range of enzymes involved in oxidation system such as 5lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase, monooxygenase, or xanthine oxidase (J.Tinoi 2006).
As flavonoids, anthocyanins are present in flowers of Dahlia pinnata and are pH sensitive therefore the flower
extract could be utilized as an indicator for different types of acid base titrations. Hence the flavonoids were
extracted.
Material and Methods
Identification and collection of that Dahlia pinnata
Dahlia pinnata was identified from the flora of Botany Department of the Holkar Science College, Indore. Flowers
were collected during spring season. Dahlia pinnata was collected for the purpose of study of natural indicator. Fresh
petals were collected in the month of February and March because it is the blooming season of these plants. Natural
indicator can be isolated from the Dahlia pinnata flower. Several plant pigments like Anthocyanin, Flavonoids occurs
in petals of these flowers which acts like natural indicator.

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Method
Flowers were cleaned by distilled water, petals of these flowers were kept in strong sunlight until they get
completely withered. The dried petals were grinded into fine powder with a mechanical blender. Dried powder of
petals were soaked in 40 ml methanol for 48 hours and then triturated in mortal and pestal and the resulting solution
was filtered through muslin cloth. The resulted methanolic extract was further used as natural indicator for
acidimetry and alkalimetry. The extract was preserved in light closed container and stored away from direct sunlight.
Following the similar process aqueous extract of dried pulvarized petals was prepared, filtered and used as natural
aqueous indicator. Analytical grade HCl, NaOH, CH3COOH, NH4OH,phenolphthlein,methylorange,and phenol red
were made available by the Department of Chemistry, Government Holkar Science College, Indore. Reagents and
volumetric solutions were prepared as per standard. The experimental work was carried out by using the same set of
glasswares for all types of titration.
As the same aliquots were used for both titrations the standard indicator, floral extract and

the reagents were not

calibrated. The equinormal titrations were performed using 10 ml of titrant with five drops of natural indicator.
A set of four experiments each for all the types of acid base titrations were carried out. The t-value and standard
deviation for each type of acid base titrations were calculated from results obtained. The anthocyanins which are
water soluble pigments, generally occur in the aqueous cell sap, and are responsible for the large variety of colours
in flowers such as red, violet, blue. Anthocyanin pigments are amphoteric, their acid salts are usually red and their
metallic salts are usually blue and in neutral solution it is violet. In addition to anthocyanins, the colour of flower
depends on the prescence of co-pigments such as flavones, flavonols etc. and to metal chelation particularly with
iron and aluminium.
Geissman et al., (1952) have applied the term flavonoids to embrace all compounds whose structure is based
on flavone. Thus the anthocyanins are group of flavonoid compounds.
Singh et al., (2010) used Nerium Oleander (Apocynaceae), Tecoma Stans (Bignonaceae), Calatropis gigantea
(Asclepiadaceae), Albizia lebbeck (Mimosaceae) and Cassia fistula (Caesalpiniaceae) flowers as acid base indicator.
The titrant v/s titrand used were NaOH/HCl, HCl/NH4OH, CH3COOH/NaOH and CH3COOH/NH4OH.
Ramling et al., (2010) used flower extract of Bombax malabaricum (Malvaceae) as indicator in acid base
titration. The equivalence point obtained by the flower extract coincided with the equivalence point obtained by

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standard indicators. In case of weak acid and weak base titration, the results obtained by the flower extract matched
with the results obtained by mixed indicator.
WEI You - haun et al., (2004) studied the juices of Green teas and Ku Ding Teas changing colour in the
solution of acid and alkali. The research workers compared the result of the Tea with phenolphthalein and methyl
orange in acid base titration as indicator. The result concluded that the juice can be used as a substitute for acid base
indicator similarly FANG Rong Mei (2001) studied the juice of radish red pigment as an indicator for acid alkali
titration.
Wadkar et al., (2008) used methanolic extract of the leaves of careya arborea as an acid base indicator in acid
base titrations. Promising results were obtained when it was tested against standard synthetic indicators. Titration
showed sharp colour change at the equivalence point. The indicator was useful in all type of acid base titration
except weak acid and weak base titration.
Okonkwo et al., (2010) used Hibiscus Sabdariffa petals extract for acid base titration. The results were
compared with those of standard end point indicators as phenolphthalein and methyl red. Prominent absorption in
the 500 550 nm wavelength region of the UV/Visible spectrum of methanolic extract confirmed the presence of
anthocyanidins. Sidana Jaspreet et al., (2011) used methanolic extract of Antirrhinum majus (Scrophulariaceae) and
Dianthus plumaris (Caryophyllaceae) which gave sharp and intense colour change as compared to phenolphthlein
and methyl orange. Phytochemical investigation and chemical test of both show prescense of anthocyanins and were
the main reason for the activity of indicator.
ZHANG et al., (2006) studied the condition to extract violet cabbage pigment and found that the best extraction
was by using distilled water as extraction reagent with the ratio of liquid to solid being 5:1 (ml/g) under the
condition of pH 2 with 2 hour of extraction at 50OC. The yield was 17.1%. Lu Rongrong et al., (2008) studied purple
cabbage pigment as indicator for acid base titration. The pigment accurately indicated the end point with sensitive
colour change.
Agrawal et al., (2011) investigated the indicator activity of methanolic fruit extract of Punica granatum
(Punicaceae). The results were compared with synthetic indicators in different types of acid base titration. The
extract was found to be very useful and accurate for indicating the neutralization point.

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Jadhav et al., (2009) used Ixora Chinensis flower extract as acid base indicator. The result obtained by extract
was similar to the result obtained by synthetic indicator. In case of weak acid and weak base titration the results
obtained matched with the result obtained, matched with the results obtained by mixed indicator.
Results and Discussion
The flower was screened for its use as an indicator in acid base titration and the results were compared with the
results obtained by standard indicator phenolphthelin,Methylorange,phenolred. The results of the screening for
strong acid-strong base (H2SO4 & KOH),strong acid- weak base (H2SO4 & NH4OH), weak acid-strong base
(CH3COOH & KOH),weak acid weak base (CH3COOH & H) are listed in table A & B.
Table-A: Colour Change during Titration.
Indicator colour changes and PH range
Titrant

Titrand
Standard

H2SO4

KOH

Colourless to pink (PH)

H2SO4

NH4OH

Pink to yellow (MO)

CH3COOH

KOH

Colourless to pink (PH)

CH3COOH

NH4OH

Yellow to red (PR)

Methanolic floral
extract of Dahlia
pinnata
orange to wine red

Pink to red

Aqueous floral extract

of Dahlia pinnata
orange to wine red

Pink to red

Pink to yellow

Pink to yellow

orange to yellow

orange to yellow

Keyword: PH = Phenolphthlein, MO = Methyl orange, PR = Phenolred.

In the present study aqueous extract of dahlia pinnata was taken as a natural indicator for acid base titration. The
strength of acids and bases (HCL ,H2SO4, CH3COOH,NaOH,KOH, NH4OH) taken were 0.1N,0.5N and 1.0N.Four
different types of titration performed were strong acid/strong base, strong acid/weak base, weak acid/strong base,
and weak acid/weak base. The titration v/s titrand were KOH v/s H2SO4, NH4OH v/s H2SO4, KOH v/s CH3COOH,
NH4OH v/s CH3COOH.
The colour changed from orange to wine red for aqueous and methanolic floral extract of dahlia pinnata. The
standard deviation ranged from + 0.05 to + 2.9 in dahlia pinnata, the results obtained showed that the routinely used

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indicator can be replaced successfully by floral extract. The table-B represents t-value of four titrations + standard
deviation.
Table-B: Titration with Methanolic and Aqueous Floral Extract of Dahlia Pinnata as Natural Indicator.

Titration
Titrant V/s Titrand
KOH v/s H2SO4

NH4OH v/s H2SO4

KOH v/sCH3COOH

NH4OH v/s
CH3COOH

Strength in
normality

Methanolic floral
extract of Dahlia t value + S.D*
pinnata as natural
indicator

Aqueous floral
extract of Dahlia t value + S.D*
pinnata as
natural indicator

1.0

PH v/s MFE

2.1213 + 0.17

PH v/s AFE

0.4472+0.27

0.1

PH v/sMFE

1.3422 +0.09

PH v/s AFE

2.6805+0.09

0.5

PH v/s MFE

1.3422 +0.18

PH v/s AFE

1.9424+0.16

1.0

MO v/s MFE

0.8965 +0.09

MO v/s AFE

1.2659+0.12

0.1

MO v/s MFE

2.1276 +0.05

MO v/s AFE

2.2405+0.09

0.5

MO v/s MFE

1.4349 +0.36

MO v/s AFE

0.8965+0.09

1.0

PH v/s MFE

0.8965+0.09

PH v/s AFE

0.4475+0.09

0.1

PH v/s MFE

2.1276+0.05

PH v/s AFE

2.1537+0.09

0.5

PH v/s MFE

2.1276 +0.05

PH v/s AFE

2.2375+0.09

1.0

PR v/s MFE

2.0018 +0.20

PR v/s AFE

1.4556 +0.16

0.1

PR v/s MFE

0.04475+0.09

PR v/s AFE

0.7223+0.05

0.5

PR v/s MFE

2.1276+0.05

PR v/s AFE

0.6334+0.12

*All values are t value + S.D. for n = 4

Keyword:
H2SO4: Sulphuric acid, CH3COOH: Acetic acid, KOH: Pottasium hydroxide, NH4OH: Ammonium hydroxide, PH:
Phenolphthlein, MO: Methyl orange, PR: Phenolred, MFE: Methanolic floral extract, AFE: Aqueous floral extract.
Conclusion
The standard deviation calculated for synthetic indicator and aqueous and methanolic floral extract of natural
indicator shows very less variation in the results. Thus statistically also the use of natural indicator in acid base
titration is proved. As the aqueous and methanolic extract provide similar results hence aqueous and methanolic
floral extract can be used with cent per cent reliability and accuracy for acid base titration. Thus the use of natural
indicator in acid base titration is more beneficial because of its economy, easy to prepare, simplicity, easy
availability, pollution free inert and accurate results.

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Acknowledgement
Creation is quite a difficult task in this world, it becomes more hideous without Gods inspiration, elders blessing,
youngers love and cooperation of friends. The completion of any interdisciplinary project depends upon the
cooperation, coordination and combined efforts of several sources of knowledge, skill, labour and time and hence
the precious guidance and spiritual help of a guide cannot be fulfilled just by a mere word, thanks.
Dr. Rooplekha Vyas Head, Department of chemistry, Govt. Holkar Science College, Indore often went out of the
way to see if I had completed this work with case. She encouraged me on several occassions and so my heart feels
sincere gratitude to her.
I am thankful to Principal Dr. R.K. Tugnawat of Govt. Holkar Science College, Indore for this scholarly
encouragement of my academic activities. He has extended all the necessary help needed for my work in his
capacity being the principal of college.
References
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base indicator from the seeds of Punica granatum. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research. 3(2): 168171.
2. FANG Rong-mei. (2001). Study of radish red pigment as an indicator of acid alkali. Journal of Sichuan Three
gorges University. 065.
3. Geissman (1962).The Chemistry of Flavonoid compounds Pergamon.
4. Jadhav R.L., Mahajan N.S., Pimpodkar N.V. and Garje S.B. (2009). Use of Ixora Chinensis flower extract as a
natural indicator in acid base titration. International Jour. Chem. Sci. 7(1) 219-224.
5. Lu Rongrong, Dong Haifeng, Wang Wuji, Yang jun, Tang Zhiyu and Qin Lingli (2008). Research on application
of purple cabbage pigment to acid base titration. Journal of China Three Gorges University (Natural Sciences).
04-020.
6. Okonkwo Tochukwu J. and Nnaemeka (2010). Hibiscus Sabdariffa Anthocyanidins: A potential two colour end
point indicator in acid base and Complexometric Titrations. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Review and Research Vol. 4 (3), 123-128.

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7. Ramling Patrakar, Deshpande A., Walsangikar S., Niranjane K. and Gadgil A. (2010). Use of Bombax
Malabaricum Flower Extract as a Natural Indicator in Acid Base Titration. Der Pharmacia Lettre, 2(4): 520-524.
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characterization of flowers as natural indicator: Acid base Indicator. The Pharma Research Journal, 4: 83-90.
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indicator in Acid Base titrations. Research J. Pharm. and Tech. J. (4). Oct-Dec. 2008. 535-536.
11. WEI You-huan, WEI Liang-xing, WANG Li-ping, LUN Zhen-biao, QIN xiong-jun, LIANG Su-heng (2004). A
study on Using Tea Juice as substitute for acid base indicator: Journal of Nanning Junior Teachers College,
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violet cabbage pigment. Journal of Central China Normal University. 02-017.
Corresponding Author:
Pushpa Jain*,
Email: saral_1@yahoo.com

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