"Phytochemical and Biological Evaluation of Spathodea campanulata "

The present study investigates the phytochemical composition and biological potential of the root bark of Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv., a plant traditionally used in African folk medicine.Methanolic extraction of the powdered root bark followed by successive partitioning and chromatographic separation led to the isolation of three major compounds: ethyl cerotate, dotriacontanyl-3-(p-tolyl) propanoate, and tricosanyl gallate.Structural elucidation was accomplished using IR, H NMR, C NMR, and mass spectrometry techniques.Among these, dotriacontanyl-3-(p-tolyl) propanoate and tricosanyl gallate are reported for the first time from this plant.Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds.The findings underscore the chemical diversity of S. campanulata and its potential as a source of novel bioactive molecules for pharmaceutical applications.This study contributes to the growing pharmacognostic evidence supporting the therapeutic value of this underexplored medicinal species.