Photonic characterization of selected bioactive chemicals in Malaysian herbs.

This work presents the characterization of selected bioactive compounds of local herbs through their photonic spectrum. A Shimadzu spectrophotometer was used to map bioactive compounds extracted from Andrographis paniculata, Ficus deltoidea, Orthosiphon stamineus and Centella asiatica. Dominant peaks and repeatability were the determinant parameters in this study. Absorbance peaks of bioactive compounds were calibrated against respective standardized chemicals obtained from reputable suppliers. The results obtained indicated that absorbance peaks from different bioactive compounds could be identified by photonic spectrum. Most bioactive markers were detected within the wavelength range of 200 nm to 350 nm, using a Deuterium (190 nm to 450 nm) light source and corresponding refraction grating. A mathematical relationship of concentration versus absorbance at different wavelengths for selected bioactive compounds were identified. The significance of the photonic characterization of these phytochemicals forms the basis for a mathematical model in a decision support system of a proposed mobile sensor prototype development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]