Comparison of the phytochemical composition of Euclea divinorum Hern (Ebenaceae) leaves, tender stems and root bark

Abstract

Euclea divinorum Hern (Ebenaceae) has a long history of folkloric use in the treatment of different diseases. However, there are few reports on the responsible phytochemicals in its tender stems, leaves and root bark. The aim of this study was to compare the phytochemicals in E. divinorum leaves, tender stems and root bark. The plant materials were extracted serially by maceration with dichloromethane, hexane and ethanol. Alkaloids, phenols, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, terpenes, and volatile oils were identified in qualitive Phytochemical screening of the extracts. UV Visible and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of alcohols, phenols, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, aromatics, nitro compounds and amines in the extracts. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry afforded identification and quantification of 30 compounds in the hexane and dichloromethane extracts. The major constituents were3,4- Methylenedioxybenzylacetone, Eicosane, Tetratriacontane, Hexatriacontane, 9-Hexadecen-1-ol, 2-Hydroxy-2-methyl-8,8- diphenyl-octa-5,7-dien-3-one, 1,4-Naphthoquinone and Octacosanal. The compounds identified in the different extracts of Euclea divinorum leaves, tender stems and root bark supports the use of this plant in traditional medicine.