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Ultra-violet spectroscopic studies of extracts of <i>Loranthus micranthus</i> Linn parasitic on <i>Kola acuminata</i>


IC Uzochukwu
PO Osadebe

Abstract



The extracts of Loranthus micranthus Linn parasitic on Kola acuminata were studied using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. The dried powdered leaves of L. micranthus were extracted with aqueous methanol (90 %), absolute methanol, absolute ethanol, distilled water and ethyl acetate. The respective extracts were scanned between 200 and 700 nm wavelength and their absorption spectra plotted in Microsoft Excel® toolpack. The λmax were also determined. Absorbance values of the extracts were determined at 275 nm wavelength. The absorbance spectra of flavonoids fraction of L. micranthus were also similarly obtained in acidic and basic media. Extractive yields of 14.63 % and 13.92 % were obtained for the crude methanol extract and flavonoids fraction respectively. Aqueous methanol (90 %) afforded the best solvent, among the tested solvents, for the extraction of the flavonoid constituents of powdered leaves of L. micranthus. The flavonoids fraction experienced bathochromic shift in the alkaline medium. The obtained UV-Vis absorption spectra may serve as a useful basis for the identification and characterization of products, extracts or formulations of L. micranthus leaves.

Keywords: Loranthus micranthus, Phytomedicines, Flavonoids fraction, Methanol extract

Bio-Research Vol. 6 (1) 2008: pp. 308-310

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eISSN: 2705-3822
print ISSN: 1596-7409