GC–MS, FTIR FINGERPRINT OF METHANOL AND ETHYL ACETATE ROOT BARK EXTRACT OF ZANTHOXYLUM TESSMANNI (ENGL.) AYAFOR [RUTACEAE]

Okorie Ogbonna, *Ezealisiji Kenneth M. and Ezeugwu Jude C.

ABSTRACT

The use of Zanthoxylum tessmanni (Engl.) Ayafor [Family RUTACEAE] stem and root bark have been in existence from time immemorial. Some acclaimed ethnomedicinal uses of extract of different parts of this plant include; anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and cholesterol lowering effect. The phytochemical constituents of Z.tessmannii root bark extract were analyzed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry (UV-2500pc Spec), Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy (FTIR model-8400S spec.) and Gas Chromatography – Mass-Spectrometer (GC-MS) (model-QP 2010 plus Spec). The compound detection employed the NIST ver.2.0-year 2005 library. The biological activity is based on Dr. Dukes Phytochemical and ethnobotanical databases. Peaks corresponding to polyphenols and its congeners were revealed by the UV-Vis spectroscopy. The FTIR spectrum confirms the presence of alcohols, alkanes, alkenes, ethers, esters and carboxylic acid functional groups. The chemical fingerprint of methanol and ethyl acetate root bark extract of Z.tessmanni revealed 16 prominent phytochemotypes with varying medicinal activities. However, Stearic acid (C18H36O2) with retention time of 16.091 and peak area of 13.30% and Furo[2,3-b]quinolin-4(9H)-one,7,8-dimethoxy-9-methyl (C14H13NO4) with retention time of 17.820 and peak area of 25.21% were the prevailing compounds. The presence of these phyto-compounds in the plant provides a leading evidence for their use as chewing stick to keep the mouth odour free.

Keywords: Anti-inflammatory; Cholesterol; Ethnobotanical; Phytochemotypes; Antimicrobial.