Abstract

ISOLATION OF THE ACTIVE CONSTITUENT FROM ETHYLACETATE FRACTION OF LUPINUS ARBOREUS LEAF

Sylvester C. Ohadoma* and Felix N. Osuala

ABSTRACT

Aim: To investigate the pharmacologically active constituents of the ethyl acetate fraction of Lupinus arboreus leaf for antimicrobial activity. Methods: The crude methanol extract (CME) of the dried leaves obtained by 48 hours cold maceration was partitioned to yield n-hexane fraction (HEF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) and methanol fraction (MEF) and evaluated using modified agar-well diffusion method. Following the outcome, ethyl acetate fraction was further fractionated using silica gel column chromatography and the fractions based on bioactivity-guide, were eluted with gradient mixtures. The structure of the isolated active constituent was elucidated using phytochemical and spectral analyses. Results: Chromatography of the ethyl acetate fraction over silica gel led to the isolation of a phenolic acid, identified as ellagic acid. Conclusion: Bioactivity-guided result indicated ellagic acid in the antimicrobial effect of Lupinus arboreus.

Keywords: Lupinus arboreus, Chikadoma, antimicrobial activity, ethyl acetate fraction, Phenolic acid, ellagic acid.