Eco-friendly Indicator from the Leaf Extract of Alternanthera dentata

Alternanthera dentata belongs to family Amaranthacea. The extract of leaves of Alternanthera dentata can be used as a natural indicator in neutralisation titrations. The aqueous extracts of leaves of the plant are found to be red in colour. The colour of the extract changes from red to greenish yellow when pH changes from acid to alkaline region. The extract is found to have anthocyanins which impart red colour to its solution. Anthocyanins are water soluble and also sensitive to pH changes. So they can be used an efficient pH indicator. The results obtained by using this natural indicator was comparable with that obtained by using conventional acid -base indicator. This natural indicator can be used as an efficient alternative to commercial indicators. More over they are eco friendly, cheap and have more aesthetic values than commercially available indicators.