Evaluation of phytochemicals and antitubercular activity of the partitioned fractions of the flaking bark of Commiphora kerstingii.

Abstract

Crude methanol extract of Commiphora kerstingii, used traditionally for the treatment of tuberculosis was phytochemically screened. The phytoconstituents were qualitatively and quantitatively determined. The crude extract was partitioned into four fractions namely ethyl acetate, n-hexane, n-butanol and aqueous methanol soluble fractions. These solvent soluble fractions were also phytochemically screened. Both crude extract and its fractions were subjected to thin layer chromatography analysis as well as screened for their antitubercular activities against Mycobacterium bovis (BCG). The study revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones and flavonoids in the crude extract. Alkaloids, tannins, saponins and flavonoids in the crude extract were quantified. Methanol soluble fraction was found to have moderate antitubercular activity (625 ug/ml). GC-MS analysis of the methanol soluble fraction revealed fifteen constituents. Two of these phytocompounds were suggested to be cardiac glycosides, methyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside and the anthraquinone, 6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-2, 7-dimethyl-1,4-naphthoquinone.