Comparison of the selected secondary metabolite content present in the cancer-bush Lessertia (Sutherlandia) frutescens L. extracts
Abstract
Extracts of in vitro leaves, field leaves and seeds of the leguminous plant Lessertia frutescens were analyzed using spectrophotometric and gravimetric methods, to the effect of quantitative comparison of their phenolic, flavonoid, alkaloid and saponin contents. As compared to the field leaves and seeds, saponins were found to be most abundantly represented in in vitro leaves, followed by phenolics, flavonoids and alkaloids. The extracts were also qualitatively analyzed so as to evaluate the presence of other phytochemicals of medicinal interest. This qualitative analysis indicated the presence of tannins, phlobatannins and cardiac glycosides. Having in mind the documented therapeutic use of these phytochemicals, the results of this study offer a strong rationale for further animal and clinical investigations of L. frutescens extracts.
Key words: alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, phytochemicals, saponins, spectrophotometry
doi: 10.4314/ajtcam.v8i4.14
Copyright: Creative Commons Attribution CC.
This license lets others distribute, remix, tweak, and build upon your work, even commercially, as long as they credit you for the original creation. This is the most accommodating of licenses offered. Recommended for maximum dissemination and use of licensed materials. View License Deed | View Legal Code Authors can also self-archive their manuscripts immediately and enable public access from their institution's repository. This is the version that has been accepted for publication and which typically includes author-incorporated changes suggested during submission, peer review and in editor-author communications.
