Phytochemical screening and thin layer chromatographic profile of Nauclea diderrichii leaf extracts

Abstract

The present study investigates the phytochemicals and thin layer chromatographic profile of
Nauclea diderrichii (Rubiaceae) leaf extracts. Phytochemical in the hexane, ethyl acetate and
methanol extracts were determined using standard chemical tests. Thin layer chromatographic
techniques were carried out using various solvent systems of varying polarity on these extracts.
Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins,
phenolic compounds, tannins, phytosterols, carbohydrates, flavonoids and terpenoids. Further
screening using thin layer chromatographic technique on the N. diderrichii leaf extracts also
revealed different phytochemical compounds with different Rf values. The results obtained in
present study indicated that Nauclea diderrichii leaf is a rich source of phytochemicals. This could justifies the use of plant species in traditional medicine for treatment of various diseases.

Keywords: Nauclea diderrichii, Rubiaceae Leaf extracts, Phytochemicals, Retention factor, TLC.