Functional group characterization of Urochloa distachya (L.) using FTIR spectroscopy

Urochloa distachyais a perennial grass belonging to the Poaceae family. This study aimed toidentify the functional groups present in U. distachya usingFourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Plant samples were shade-dried,powdered, and subjected to Soxhlet extraction using petroleum ether,chloroform, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. FTIR analysis was conducted with aBruker 3000 Hyperion system using OPUS software. The spectra revealed keyfunctional groups, including hydroxyl, carbonyl, aliphatic, and aromaticmoieties, indicating the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, esters, and fattyacids. Notable variations in peak intensity were observed across the U.distachya powder and its extracts. The FTIR absorption ranges were: powder(657.59-3901.13 cm-1), petroleum ether extract (PUD) (1377.38-2917.59cm-1), chloroform extract (CUD) (754.01-2916.42 cm-1),ethyl acetate extract (EAUD) (1042.85-1736.25 cm-1), and ethanolextract (EUD) (878.99-3352.21 cm-1). Overall, the FTIR resultsconfirm the phytochemical richness of U. distachya and highlight itspotential for further pharmacological and bioactive compound investigations.