Author(s):

Denis K Chirchir, Peter K Cheplogoi and Josiah O Omolo

Abstract: Medicinal plants used in the folk medicine may be an interesting and largely unexplored source for the development of potential new compounds. This study reports on the Phytochemistry and anticancer activity of Syzygium guineense (Myrtaceae). S. guineense is a medicinal plant that is traditionally used by the Kipsigis and the Ogiek communities in Kenya in the management of various human diseases. Decoctions from the bark of this plant is reported to have been used as a purgative, anthelmintic, antituberculosis, anticancer and treatment of chest ailments. Cold extraction method was used to prepare the crude extracts which were later fractionated and purified using chromatographic techniques (TLC and CC). Two previously established compounds, β-Sitosterol and Betulinic acid, whose anticancer activity has been reported were isolated alongside fatty acids. This study gives a scientific basis for the use of the medicinal plant in the traditional folklore as an anticancer agent.

Pages: 278-282  |  1133 Views  430 Downloads

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