Mystroxylon aethiopicum chloroform root bark extracts phytochemical analysis using gas chromatography mass spectrometry

Abstract

Mystroxylon aethiopicum has been used by many ethnic groups in Africa for the management of hemorrhagic diarrhea, stomachache, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections coughs, hypertension and gonorrhea. This study was carried out to identify low molecular weight phytochemicals present in the root bark extract of M. aethiopicum with the aid of gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of various low molecular weight phytochemicals which belongs to four groups of secondary metabolites namely sesquiterpenes, dieterpenes, monoterpenes and fatty acids. The presence of these phytochemicals in the plant extract may be positively associated with pharmacological properties of M. aethiopicum and therefore justifying the ethnomedical usage of the plant.

Antibacterial Potentials of Plants Used in Traditional Medicine of Rwanda

“…African plants including Rwandan plants were reported by many researchers to possess various phytosubstances, and thus may act as antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agents [31]. Acanthus polystachyus and Hypoestes triflora are used by the Rwandan population to treat skin ulcers, gastritis, and liver intoxication, respectively.…”