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Phytochemical screening and thin layer chromatography of the leaves of Khaya senegalensis (dry zone mahogany) Meliaceae
Abstract
Phytochemical constituents of the leaves of Khaya senegalensis (dry zone mahogany) were determined in petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone and ethanol extracts. The screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, saponins, tannins, alkaloids and anthraquinones. Saponins and cardiac glycoside are present in all the
extracts; Flavonoids are present in chloroform, acetone and ethanol extracts. Carbohydrates are present in ethanolic, chloroform and acetone extracts. Tannins are present in petroleum ether and ethanolic extracts while alkaloids are present in petroleum ether, ethanolic and acetone extract. There are no phlobatannins in any of the extracts with only
the ethanolic extract containing anthraquinones. Thin layer chromatography revealed the separation of the components of the extracts with iodine vapour locating their spots. From the result obtained, Khaya senegalensis (dry zone mahogany) contains a remarkable number of phytochemical components with potential bioactivity.
Keywords: Phytochemical Screening, TLC, Khaya senegalensis