Extraction and characterisation of phytochemicals from white seringa (kirkia acuminata) bark extracts

Abstract

The intention of this study was to extract and characterise phytochemicals with analgesic effect from Kirkia Acuminata bark extracts. Soxhlet extraction and Steam distillation were used for the extraction of compounds. Methanol,dichloromethane and hexane were used as solvents. Classes of phytochemicals were identified by qualitative tests and Thin Layer Chromatography using UV light.The qualitative tests of the phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, tannins to name a few. Alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and tannins were also observed on Thin Layer Chromatography. Menthol, catechol, 1,2 benzenediol 4 methyl, nitro phenyl salicylate, phenol dimethoxy,tau-cadinol,Isopropenyl,8 dimethyl, menthone and levomenthone were identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer.. The hexane fraction which is highly a non-polar solvent showed that very few phytochemicals were taken up in it.The polar solvents showed compatibility with the various chemical classes. The presence of these compounds gives Kirkia acuminataits characteristic property of being an analgesic. It thus finds application in the field of medicine.