Phytochemical profiling and heavy metals composition of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical and heavy metals components of A. leiocarpus considering its applications in ethnomedicine.
 Material and Method: The phytochemical components were determined qualitatively and quantitatively gravimetrically, while component identification was done using (Gas spectrometer-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) technique. Heavy metals were quantified by atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
 Result and Discussion: Saponins and flavonoids were detected in the aqueous extracts in concentrations of 10.22% ±0.48, and 38.67% ±0.17 respectively, and concentrations of 17.37% ±0.65 and 19.63% ±0.60 respectively in the ethanol extract.. GC-MS analysis identified 16 and 26 compounds in the aqueous and ethanol extracts respectively. In the aqueous extract, 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural, 1,2,4-Benzenetriol, and cis-Vaccenic acid had the highest peak areas of 46.24, 17.12, and 15.13% respectively, while in the ethanol extract 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (14.40%),1,2,3-Benzenetriol (12.29%) and -methoxybenzene-1,4-diol (7.54%) were the highest. Chromium (0.548 ppm ±0.030) was detected only in the aqueous concentration, while Cadmium had a concentration of 0.002 ±0.001 and 0.006 ppm ±0.002 in the aqueous and ethanol extract respectively. Lead was present with aqueous and ethanol extracts concentrations of 0.096 ±0.020 and 0.096 ppm ±0.040 respectively. Conclusively, the present study agrees with the claims for the traditional application of the plant in folkloric medicine to manage different ailments.