Chemical Composition of Combretum erythrophyllum Leaf and Stem Bark Extracts

Abstract

Combretaceae is a large Angiosperm family that is highly sought after because of its pronounced medicinal value. Combretum is recognized as the largest genus, prevalent in southern Africa due to its extensive use in traditional medicine. This study aimed to provide a comparative analysis of the phytochemical constituents of the leaf and stembark extracts of Combretum erythrophyllum (Burch.) Sond. Leaf and stembark crude extracts were generated using hexane, chloroform, and methanol as the solvents of choice. Qualitative phytochemical tests indicated the presence of phytocompounds, including carbohydrates, alkaloids, sterols, phenols, fixed oils, and fats. Flavonoids were found within the leaf extracts only, while saponins, mucilage, and gums were specifically identified within the stembark extracts. The first reported gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) screening of C. erythrophyllum leaf and stembark extracts was conducted, yielding the identification of 266 phytocompounds. Major phytocompounds such as sitosterol and lupeol, which may have possible anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, were identified. Furthermore, a pharmacogenetic evaluation was conducted. As a result, both the leaf and stem bark material were seen to fluoresce a wide array of colors (brown, red, green, and blue colorations), indicating the presence of beneficial phytometabolites and their use in medicinal applications. Given the wide array of proposed medicinal benefits associated with the presence of phytocompounds identified within C. erythrophyllum, this species should be considered for its medicinal importance. The isolation and extraction of these beneficial compounds open further avenues for their use in the pharmaceutical industry.