Studies On Extraction, Phytochemicals And Thin Layer Chromatographic (Tlc) Analysis Of Stem Back And Root Extracts Of Morinda Lucida (Nvuvu)
Cyril C Ogbuanu
Department of Industrial Chemistry, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu Nigeria. P.M.B. 01660, Enugu, Nigeria.
Steve N Amujiogu
Department of Industrial Chemistry, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu Nigeria. P.M.B. 01660, Enugu, Nigeria.
Valentine O Agu
Department of General Studies/Entreprenuership, Enugu State Polytechnic, P.O.Box 8, Iwollo, Enugu, Nigeria.
Keywords: Phytochemicals, solvent-to-solid ratio, thin-layer chromatography, Morinda lucida, Successive extraction
Abstract
The present study is aimed at qualitatively screening for phytochemicals in M. lucida stem bark and root to determine the major classes of compound present in them. This was done using three different solvents successively to extract. The effects of solvent-to-solid ratio on the percent yield of extracts were assessed. Phytochemical analysis was performed by simple chemical analysis including thin layer chromatographic (TLC) analysis which was carried out using n-hexane, ethyl acetate (3:1), n-hexane, ethyl acetate (3:2) and n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol (2:1:1) solvent systems. The optimal percent yield as a factor of solvent-to-solid ratio of the extracts obtained is 10:1. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, anthracenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, carbohydrate, gum and Mucilages and protein. The TLC analysis of M. lucida stem back revealed the presence of 8 spots using n-hexane, ethyl acetate (3:1) solvent system and 7 spots using n-hexane, ethyl acetate (3:2) solvent system. The TLC results of the root extracts shows 10 spots using n-hexane, ethyl acetate (3:1) solvent system, 8 spots using n-hexane, ethyl acetate (3:2) solvent system and 2 spots using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol (2:1:1) solvent system. The present study provides evidence that solvent extract of M. lucida contains some possible medicinally important bioactive compounds and this justifies the use of the plant species as traditional medicine for treatment of various diseases.