initial characterization of crude extracts from phyllanthus amarus

chloroform/methanol= 98:2 (Figure C.9) is less polar, so the less polar compounds were
eluted and the more polar compounds did not move with the solvent mixture.
Table 4.4 Presence/absence of fractions in crude Q. amara extracts detected by
UV-254 nm and PMA reagent (detection method I). Cross-reference
with Figure C.11 and Table D.4
Fraction
Extraction
A
B
C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Total
-
+
+
-
+
+
-
+
+
-
+
+
-
+
+
Extraction: A=50% MeOH in H2O; B= 99% methanol; C= 50% MeOH in CHCl3
-
+
+
34
-
-
+
The results in Table 4.4, Figure C.11 and Table D.4 indicate that only one
fraction/compound (number 8) was detected in extract A and that fractions 7 and 11 were
eluted only when extraction solvent C (50% methanol in chloroform) was used. These
fractions are probably less polar. On pages 20-22 there is an overview of the
phytochemicals present in Q. amara. The secondary metabolites in the extracts of Q.
amara that are detected by UV-254 nm are alkaloids (indole: β-carbolines and canthin-6-
ones) and triterpenes (quassinoids). PMA spray reagent makes most organic compounds
visible. Indole alkaloids and triterpenes (quassinoids) are of medicinal importance.
The mobile phase chloroform/methanol= 9:1 resulted in eluting the fractions more
to the top of the plate. The chloroform/methanol= 98:2 mobile phase is less polar, so the
less polar compounds eluted first and the more polar compounds stayed at the starting
line (Figure C.10).
Fractions 1, 2 and 6 were detected only in extraction A (Table 4.5 and Figure
C.12). These fractions are either not present in extract A or they are present but the
+
+
+
-
+
+
-
+
+
-
-
+
1
9
11