Phytoconstituents determination and characterization of the root bark extract of Maytenus senegalensis

Abstract

Phytoconstituent analysis and characterization of the root bark extract of Maytenus senegalensis were determined using GC-MS analysis. The crude extract was partitioned using solvents of different polarities and the fractions obtained were tested for their phytoconstituents. The preliminary phytochemical screening indicates the presence of flavonoids, saponiins, phenols and steroidal compounds. Anthraquinones and tannins were completely absent. Results obtained indicate that 70 % methanolic fraction contains all the constituents mentioned above. This fraction was then subjected to thin layer and column chromatography as well as GC-MS analysis. The GC-MS spectrum reveals the presence of seven different compounds in which three of them may be associated with the ethnomedicinal properties of this plant.