Plants have potent antioxidant properties, protecting against free radicals. Various products have been developed from vegetables to harness their antioxidant benefits, guarding the human body from diseases like brain and diabetes issues. Foods with antioxidant activities shield the body from oxidative damage. Microencapsulation is a method used to preserve antioxidants, ensuring controlled release and masking taste. It involves using core material to safeguard active components. In this study, freeze-drying was employed for encapsulation. Antioxidant properties were evaluated using UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, and DPPH techniques, comparing non-encapsulated and encapsulated extracts. Encapsulation was confirmed, showing higher catalytic activity in the encapsulated extract. The antioxidant activity was studied under different scavenging conditions. Microcapsule systems made of Chitosan and STPP proved effective in distributing, storing, and delivering bioactive materials. Terminalia Arjuna bark extract can now be utilized more widely in food and medicine based on this study.

Keyword. Encapsulation, Antioxidant activity, Bioactive components, Terminalia arjuna bark, Chitosan, Natural extracts Phytochemicals, Controlled release, Drug delivery, Polymeric nanoparticles,