Comparative Chromatographic Analysis of Ethanolic Extracts of Leaves and Stem-Bark of Piptadeniastrum africanum (Hook.f.) Brenan and Cathormion altissimum (Hook.f.) Hutch. & Dandy

Abstract

This study investigated the flavonoid compounds present in the ethanolic extracts of leaves and stem-bark of Pipitadeniastrum africanum and Cathormion altissimum using Chromatographic technique with a view to assessing their degree of relatedness. The upper phase of Butanol Acetic Acid Water (BAW) solvent in the ratio of 4:1:5 was used. Results showed that the plants have several flavonoid compounds in common such as Chalcone, Flavone, Flavonol, Anthocyanin, Aurone and Isoflavonol. It was however discovered that Flavanone was present only in the leaves and stem-bark of P. africanum but was absent in C. altissimum. This discovery, which has never been previously demonstrated, may be taxonomically significant and may be justifying the placement of these plants in different genera; and by implication the monotypic status of genus Piptadeniastrum Brenan. There is need for further studies to determine the specific flavonoid compounds in these plants and especially the flavanone compounds that seem to be one of the chemical bases for the delimitation of the genera to which these plants belong.