Phytochemical screening, antibacterial-guided fractionation, and thin-layer chromatographic pattern of the extract obtained from Diploknema butyracea

Abstract

Objective: Diploknema butyracea (family: Sapotaceae), commonly known as the Indian butter tree or Chyuri, is habitat to Nepal and distributed from Garhwal to Sikkim up to Bhutan. This study was aimed to investigate and examine the qualitative phytochemical screening, antibacterial-guided fractionation, and thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) pattern of the D. butyracea bark extracts. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical screening of D. butyracea extract was carried out by different chemical tests. Normal-phase TLC was conducted by using different solvent system to investigate the presence of phytochemicals. Antibacterial activity on different fractions of methanolic bark extract was determined by the agar disc diffusion method. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloid, tannin, and flavonoid in barks; alkaloid and flavonoid in flowers; and alkaloid, tannin, and steroid in leaves. Among the different fractions of bark extracts, the acetone fraction was found to be most effective against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, whereas the highest sensitivity against Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli was shown by n-butanol fraction. Both fractions showed a zone of inhibition of 15 mm at the concentration of 1 mg extract per disc. TLC of the bark extract confirmed the presence of prominently visible compounds at ethyl acetate fraction. Conclusion: Isolated compounds from dried barks of D. butyracea could be the cradle of the new useful drug.