Phytochemical Analysis in the Leaves of Chamaecrista nigricans (Leguminosae)

ObjectiveIn the present study, the plant Chamaecrista nigricans (Siruavuri in Tamil) was selected to isolate, elucidate and identify the chemical constituents present in it.MethodsLeaves were collected, shade-dried, coarsely powdered using a pulvarizor, successively extracted with various solvents of increasing polarity such as hexane, chloroform and methanol using Soxhlet apparatus. Methanol leaf extract was used for isolation and identification of chemical constituents. Column chromatography (CC) and thin layer chromatography (TLC) were used for separation and purification of chemical constituents while the isolated pure compounds were identified using UV-VIS, IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectra. GC-MS analysis was carried out to identify the chemical constituents.ResultsThree anthraquinones such as emodin, chrysophanol and physcion were isolated and identified. GC-MS analysis helped to identify diisooctyl ester 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, methyl ester, (Z, Z, Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, nitric acid nonyl ester, 4-C-methyl-myo-inositol, n-hexadecanoic acid, 2-methyl-butanoic acid, and, octadecanoic acid.ConclusionMedicinally valuable bioactive natural compounds in this plant proved its importance in drug industry for drug development against various diseases.