Thin Layer Chromatographic Identification of Constituents of Methanolic Extracts of Gmelina Arborea Leaf

Student: Azeezat Omowumi Opamakinde (Project, 2025)
Department of Applied Chemistry
Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State

Abstract

This study investigated the phytochemical composition of Gmelina arborea leaves through Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis of its methanol extract. The analysis revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds with distinct Rf values: flavonoids (Rf 0.5–0.6) showed fluorescent spots under UV light (254 nm & 366 nm), alkaloids (Rf0.3–0.4) exhibited orange-brown spots after application of Dragendorff’s reagent, phenolic compounds (Rf 0.4–0.5) displayed dark spots upon treatment with ferric chloride, and glycosides (Rf 0.2–0.3) formed light brown to yellow spots under UV light and iodine vapor. These findings confirm the presence of key therapeutic compounds in Gmelina arborea leaves, which have been linked to antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties in other studies. The results suggest that Gmelina arborea is a valuable source of bioactive compounds with medicinal potential. Further research, including the isolation and clinical evaluation of these compounds, is recommended to explore their full therapeutic potential and safety profiles.

Keywords
Gmelina arborea thin layer chromatography phytochemicals analysis
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