Extraction of Alpha Amyrin from Ocimum Gratissimum Dried Pulverized Leaves from North Central Nigeria

The extraction of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants has garnered significant attention in natural product research due to their therapeutic potentials. This study focuses on the extraction of α-amyrin, a pentacyclic triterpenoid, from Ocimum gratissimum (commonly known as African scent leaf). In this research, fresh leaves of Ocimum gratissimum were collected, authenticated, and subjected to drying and pulverization to facilitate efficient extraction. The extraction was performed using solvent extraction techniques, notably employing non-polar solvents such as dichloromethane, known for their efficacy in isolating non-polar triterpenes like α - amyrin. The crude extracts were then concentrated and purified using chromatographic
methods, particularly column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography (TLC), to
isolate the α-amyrin fraction. The identity and purity of the isolated α-amyrin were
confirmed using techniques, including phytochemical test, Fourier Transform Infrared
(FTIR) spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).
The findings of this study contributes to the expanding database of phytochemicals derived
from African medicinal plants and supports further pharmacological evaluation of α
amyrin for potential therapeutic applications. Ultimately, this research aligns with the
global pursuit of sustainable, plant-based bioactive compounds for novel drug discovery
and development.