Physiochemical Characterization and Antimicrobal Activity of Two Flavonoids fromMaytenussenegaIensis Roots

Abstract

This work was aimed to the isolation of flavonoids from Maytenus senegalensis, elucidation of structures of isolates via sensitive analytical tools and evaluation of antimicrobial activity of plant extracts via cup plate agar assay. Roots Maytenus senegalensis, is widely used in African traditional medicine. It is used to treat respiratory ailments, inflammation, toothache and skin diseases. Qualitative tests on the ethanolic extract revealed the presence of: flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, tannins and saponins. However, alkaloids were not detected. Fractionation of the ethanolic extract by column and thin layer chromatography gave two compounds (I and II). The structures of these isolates were elucidated by a combination of spectral techniques (UV,IR,'HNMR and MS). The following tentative structures were proposed for the isolated compounds: Ha CH3 OH on CH CHZCHJ O Q 3 O Q o 0 I II Different fractions of Maytenus senegalensis (ethanolic, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n- butanol) were evaluated for antimicrobial potential and significant results were obtained.