GC-MS and Proximate Analysis of the Hydromethanol Extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi Leaves

Introduction: On account of their accessibility, affordability and reduced side effects, approximately half of the world’s population depends on herbal products for their primary healthcare needs. Although the possible potency and efficacy of some of these products have been documented, more studies are needed to accurately screen, identify and possibly characterize their numerous bioactive components.

Aim: The present study therefore, presents a preliminary report of proximate analysis and Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) assessment of the possible bioactive constituents of hydromethanol extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi leaves.

Methodology: The air-dried leaves were powdered and subjected to selective sequential extraction using solvents of increasing polarity through percolation, namely, water and methanol to obtain the extract. GC–MS investigation of bioactive components of the extract was carried out using Agilent Technologies.

Results: Result of the proximate composition of hydro-methanol extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi shows that residual moisture was found to be 28.2%; Ash 11%; Fibre 26.2%; Protein 30.43%; Lipid; 11.42% and Carbohydrate 32.61%. The extract was further subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Obtained results suggests that the extracts of Craterispermum schweinfurthi leaves possess several bioactive compounds amongst which include: neophytadiene (most abundant), phytosterol and 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol amongst others. The possible pharmacologic, biological effects and industrial application of the identified compounds in the extract are reviewed.

Conclusion: Our findings validate the basis for the use of the leaves of the plant in folk medicine for the treatment of a number of medical conditions in our locality; This is a new idea or perspective that adds to the existing body of knowledge in the area of phytochemistry and lethal toxicity study.