Phaeophytin and Triterpenoids from Brachystelma togoense Schltr, a Nigerian Medicinal Herb
Abiche Ekalu *
Nigerian Army School of Education, Ilorin, Kwara, Nigeria and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Rachael Gbekele-Oluwa Ayo
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria.
James D. Habila
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Ibrahim Hamisu
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The medicinal herb Brachystelma togoense schtlr (Apocynaceae) is used traditionally for treatment of ailments. The secondary metabolites, phaeophytin a, α-amyrin and lupeol were isolated from the CH2Cl2 and MeOH extracts of Brachystelma togoense. The structures were elucidated using 1H, 13C and 2D NMR. These phytochemicals have previously being reported to have various biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-cancer. The presence of phaeophytin a, α-amyrin and lupeol in Brachystelma togoense justified the use of the plant for medicinal purpose in Nigeria.
Keywords: Secondary metabolites, phaeophytin a, α-amyrin, lupeol, Brachystelma togoense schtlr