Phytochemical Profiling and GC-MS Analysis of the Methanol Extract of Anthocleista grandiflora Wood Bark

The plant, Anthocleista grandiflora is a member of the family Gentianaceae and commonly known as the “forest fever tree” used traditionally for the treatment of various ailments. Its methanol bark extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis using standard methods and the presence of bioactive compounds was determined using Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Results showed the presence of flavonoids in high amount, saponins and cardiac glycosides in moderate amount while tannins, phenols, terpenoids and steroids were present in low amounts. Test for alkaloids, glycosides, anthroquinones, pholobatannins and anthrocyannins showed that they were however absent. GC-MS analysis showed plenty bioactive compounds in which Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (45%) and 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester (43%) were most prevalent. These findings supports its current use by some locals to treat stomach ulcer and further portrays it as having great potential in the treatment of myriads of diseases.