21 - Prunus africana

Abstract

Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman (Rosaceae), commonly known as ‘African cherry’, is a large tree that can reach up to 20m in height. The leaves impart a characteristic almond smell when bruised. The tree bears creamy-white flowers and purplish-red cherries that turn black when ripe. Prunus africana is widespread in many African countries including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Madagascar. The bark is exploited for its medicinal properties, which include treatment for benign prostrate hyperplasia, urinary tract infections, inflammation and cancer. Various in vitro (anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant and antiviral) and in vivo (anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, anticancer and anti-asthmatic) studies have been conducted. The currect document summarises quality protocols for P. africana that were developed, based on chemical profiling of the bark. Six specimens were obtained, and methanol extraction of the bark was performed prior to analysis using semi-automated high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography, coupled to mass spectrometry and photodiode array detection (UPLC-MS-PDA). HPTLC revealed the presence of β-sitosterol and ursolic acid in the bark, following derivation and visualisation under 366nm radiation and white light. Analysis using ULPC-MS-PDA revealed the presence of maslinic acid, β-sitosterol and ursolic acid.