Isolation of Phytoconstituents from Ethyl Acetate Extract of Lannea acida
Olanire Ayotomiwa OluwaseunThis study investigates the isolation and characterization of phytochemical and biologically active compounds from the ethyl acetate extract of Lannea acida, a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse therapeutic applications. The research employed successive extraction techniques in which the powdered aerial parts of the plant were soaked in ethyl acetate for five days to obtain the polar constituents. The extract was filtered, air-dried, and subjected to column chromatography for separation of the compounds. The resulting fractions were analyzed using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and viewed under ultraviolet light to identify pure isolates, which were preserved for further elucidation using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and tannins, while steroids and alkaloids were absent. These detected compounds are known to exhibit diverse pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. The choice of ethyl acetate as the extraction solvent proved effective due to its moderate polarity, safety, and efficiency in isolating a wide range of bioactive constituents. The findings of this study affirm that Lannea acida is a promising source of biologically active compounds that can serve as potential candidates for drug development and therapeutic use. The research not only highlights the medicinal value of this indigenous African plant but also reinforces the relevance of integrating traditional herbal knowledge with modern scientific techniques in phytochemical research. By providing insights into the chemical constituents of Lannea acida, this work contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the potential of African medicinal plants in natural product chemistry and pharmaceutical innovation.Notes
The relevance of Lannea acida lies in its extensive medicinal, cultural, and scientific significance. As a widely used African medicinal plant, it serves as a natural source of bioactive compounds with proven pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. These properties validate its long-standing use in traditional medicine for treating ailments including gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatism, infertility, and skin infections. Scientifically, Lannea acida contributes to the advancement of phytochemical research by providing a basis for isolating and characterizing compounds that may lead to the development of new therapeutic agents. The plant’s ethyl acetate extract, rich in flavonoids, saponins, and glycosides, represents a promising candidate for pharmaceutical development