Chromatographic and Spectroscopic Characterization and Identification of Compounds in Flavonoid-Rich Fraction of Thesium viride A.W.Hill

Thesium viride A.W.Hill is a hemi-parasite subshrub from the Santalaceae family. The aerial part of the plant is utilised in the treatment of jaundice, liver enlargement, splenomegaly, and ulcers. It is been reported that the ethyl acetate (flavonoid-rich) fraction has stronger antibacterial and antioxidant properties than the 70% ethanol extract and other fractions. This research aims to develop a chromatographic fingerprint and isolate bioactive compounds from the flavonoid-rich fraction of T. viride that may be responsible for its activity. The plant's aerial portion was collected, allowed to air dry in the shade, and then reduced in size into powder. It was macerated with 70% ethanol, and subsequently portioned using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol, leaving an aqueous residue. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, and column chromatography were performed on the flavonoid-rich fraction, resulting in the isolation of two constituents, which were subjected to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments for complete elucidation of their chemical structures. The UV and FTIR fingerprint profile of the flavonoid-rich fraction has been developed and can be used for identification and quality control of the fraction of T. viride. Two chemical compounds were first reported to be isolated from the flavonoid-rich fraction and characterized as 1-heptacosanol and Quercetin. The chromatographic and spectroscopic fingerprint serves as a quality control for the standardization of the flavonoid-rich fraction of T. viride. These compounds isolated may be responsible for the antimicrobial, antiulcer, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities of T. viride.