Isolation, characterization and in Vitro Antitrypanosomal activity

These studies investigated phytochemicals, and in vitro antitrypanosomal activity of the stem bark of Strychnos spinosa (Loganiaceae). The isolation of the compound from methanol extract was carried out using column chromatography (CC) and thin layer chromatography (TLC). The structural elucidation of the isolated compound was achieved using spectroscopic techniques. The total phenolic content was determined using Folin ciocalteau’s reagent, and gallic acid as the standard. SSME 47 was isolated and characterized as Bis –(2– ethylhexyl)phthalate C24H38O4 [M+1]+ = 391 reported for the first time in S. spinosa. The structure was elucidated using 1D and 2D – NMR experiment and comparison with reported data. The total phenolic content of the extract ranges between 49.14 to 132.57mg of GAE/g of extract. An appreciable in vitro activity was observed in ethyl acetate extract and the isolated compound at 50mg/mlcaused loss of infectivity of trypanosomes to mice which remained aparasitaemic for 21 days after the inoculation of the in vitro mixture. This study demonstrated ethnopharmacological significance of S.spinosa based on the successful isolation of a potent anti - tryponosamal compound