Study on the microcrystalline cellulose from medicinal plants

This study employs nitric acid and alkaline hydrolysis methods to extract celluloses from the stems of various medicinal plants, including amaranth, milk thistle, tribulus, and consolida. Furthermore, the research takes a step further by synthesizing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from the cellulose extracted from these medicinal plants, employing deep hydrolysis utilizing a mixture of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The focus of the investigation extends to comprehending the structural and dimensional attributes of cellulose fibers sourced from milk thistle. This endeavor is aimed at gaining insights into the suspension characteristics of these fibers. Physicochemical attributes and structural characteristics of both cellulose and MCC are meticulously examined. The methods of analysis encompass optical microscopy, infrared spectroscopy (IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). These techniques are employed to unveil a comprehensive understanding of the properties and structures inherent in both cellulose and MCC, derived from the medicinal plant sources. Through this multifaceted approach, the research brings to light a comprehensive array of insights. These range from the extraction and synthesis processes to the structural attributes of cellulose and MCC. Such in-depth exploration forms the cornerstone of advancing the utilization of cellulose-based materials in diverse applications, with implications for fields ranging from medicine to materials science.