Preliminary Study of the Physical and UV–Vis Spectral Characteristics of Aqueous Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC. Extracts at Different Maceration Times

Abstract

Background: Andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC.) is a characteristic spice of North Sumatra with diverse bioactive constituents and potential applications in natural-product and material-based research. The characteristics of plant extracts can be influenced by extraction conditions, including solvent type and extraction time. However, information on the physical properties and UV–Vis spectral characteristics of aqueous andaliman extracts obtained at different conventional maceration times remains limited, warranting preliminary systematic investigation. Aims: To characterise the physical properties and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectral profile of aqueous andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC.) extracts at different maceration times. Study Design: Experimental laboratory study. Methodology: Fresh andaliman was dried for 48 hours, ground, and sieved (40–60 mesh). Extraction was performed using 10 g of powder in 100 mL of distilled water, with maceration times of 12, 24, and 48 hours. The evaluated parameters included yields, filtrate volume, organoleptic characteristics, and UV–Vis spectral profiles (200–400 nm). Results: From 971.76 g of fresh material, 274.67 g of dried material was obtained (28.27% yield), producing 95.03 g of powder (34.59% yield). Filtrate volume increased with longer maceration: 30 mL (12 h), 35 mL (24 h), and 46 mL (48 h), accompanied by colour and aroma changes. Direct UV–Vis measurements showed similar high maximum absorbance values (4.391, 4.397, and 4.395). Because of the high absorbance, a 100-fold dilution was applied; the 12-h extract then exhibited local absorption maxima at 272.00 nm (A = 0.220) and 278.50 nm (A = 0.218). Overall, optical responses remained relatively similar across treatments despite distinct physical and organoleptic changes. Conclusion: Maceration time affects the physical and organoleptic properties of aqueous andaliman extracts while maintaining similar optical responses. These preliminary findings serve as a baseline for extraction optimisation, green nanoparticle synthesis, and the development of biophysics educational materials.