Determination of the most efficient solvent for the extraction of phytochemicals of Securidaca longipedunculata (Violet tree) root bark.

Abstract

The mode of extraction of medicinal herbs to fully maximize the medicinal principles in the plants is germane. This study was thus carried out to compare the efficiency of four different solvents (methanol, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and distilled water) in the extraction of phytochemicals in Securidaca longipedunculata root. The phytochemicals of Securidaca longipedunculata root were extracted using Cold Maceration Method. From the result, methanol, n-Hexane, ethyl acetate, and distilled water gave a yield of 24g (12%), 16.4g (8%), 30g (15%), and 62.4g (31.2%) respectively. The qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids in the methanol extract, while the n-hexane extract had all, except tannins and alkaloids. Meanwhile, the ethyl acetate extract had phenols and tannins absent while only saponin and alkaloids were present in the distilled water extract. Also, distilled water gave the highest yield upon extraction but was unable to efficiently extract all the phytochemicals present in the plant. On the other hand, methanol was able to extract all phytochemicals screened despite its low yield as compared to distilled water. Conclusively, this study showed that solvents of alcohol origin possess better extracting potential, hence could be considered better extractors of phytochemicals in medicinal plants.