Phytochemical screening and GC-FID analysis of ethanolic extract of root bark of Salacia nitida L. Benth

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the phytochemical compositions of the root bark of S. nitida, which is used for treatment of malaria and typhoid fever by the people of the Niger Delta of Nigeria, especially the Ogonis. Standard chemical methods were used for the screening and gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) instrument used for the analysis and quantification of phytochemicals present in the root bark. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloid, tannin, saponin, phenol, anthocyanin, flavonoids, and absence of cardiac glycoside, while the results of GC-FID analysis revealed the presence of spartein (0.00172%), lunamarine (4.193%), %), ribalinidine (2.339%), tannins (6.104%), sapogenin (0.516%), epicatechin (7.295%), anthocyanin (0.3806%), catechin (37.553%), rutin (22.213%), kaempferol (18.561%), phenols (0.715%), and phytate (0.128%). The root bark of S. nitida contained pharmacologically active compounds which support its traditional use for the treatment of malaria and typhoid fever.