FTIR and GC-MS Analysis of the Aqueous and Ethanolic

Open Science Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering 2021; 8(1): 1-11

http://www.openscienceonline.com/journal/bio

ISSN: 2381-3806 (Print); ISSN: 2381-3814 (Online)

FTIR and GC-MS Analysis of the Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis Leaves

Mayel Mida Habila1, *

, Ezeadina Arinze Festus1, Daji Morumda

2, Ikwebe Joseph

1,

Anih David Chinonso1, Abu Michael Sunday

1

1Deparment of Biochemistry, Federal University Wukari, Taraba, Nigeria 2Department of Microbiology, Federal University Wukari, Taraba, Nigeria

Email address

*Corresponding author

To cite this article Mayel Mida Habila, Ezeadina Arinze Festus, Daji Morumda, Ikwebe Joseph, Anih David Chinonso, Abu Michael Sunday. FTIR and GC-MS

Analysis of the Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis Leaves. Open Science Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering.

Vol. 8, No. 1, 2021, pp. 1-11.

Received: November 19, 2020; Accepted: December 9, 2020; Published: January 11, 2021

Abstract

Background and Objective: The exploitation of plants for food and as biopharmaceuticals to remedy diseases in traditional and

herbal medicine has, over the years, raised concerns as they, at times, have negative side effects. This calls for proper

phytoanalysis and screening of such plants, one of which is Jatrophha tanjorensis (J. tanjorensis), to ascertain their informed

use. This research aimed at investigating the phytocomponents of Jatropha tanjoresis leaves. Materials and Methods: Fresh J.

tanjorensis leaves were collected from around New Market, Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. Aqueous and ethanolic (70% and

95%) extracts of J. tanjorensis leaves were analyzed using GC-MS Clarus 500 Perkin Elmer system. Identification of

functional groups in J. tanjorensis leaves (dried, powdered) was done using FT-IR spectroscope (Shimadzu, IR Affinity 1,

Japan). Proximate analysis of the leaves was also by AOAC methods. Results: FT-IR analysis of J. tanjorensis leaves revealed

the presence of phytochemicals like alkanes, alkenes, alkyls, alkyl halides, alkynes, saturated aliphatic esters, primary amines,

aromatics, nitro compounds, aromatic amines, aliphatic amines. From the GC-MS analyses, the aqueous extract had the highest

number (51 phytochemicals) of phytochemicals, followed by 95% ethanolic exract (up to 31 phytochemicals), and lastly 95%

ethanolic extact (up to 26 phytochemicals). However, the phytochemicals varied considerably from extract to extract both in

nature/type and in abundance. Proximate results obtained are moisture content (0.65%), ash (9.8%), crude protein (38.56%), fat

(19.60%), crude fibre (18.71%) and carbohydrate (12.68%). Conclusion: J. tanjorensis leaves are a recommendable source of

useful bioactive components and other phytochemicals that can be exploited, probably by chemically modifications, as

pharmaceuticals/drugs. We recommend, therefore, the use of J. tanjorensis leaves as part of diet.

Keywords

Phytocomponents, Proximate, Bioactive, Spectroscopy, Functional Groups

1. Introduction

Over the ages, plants have been so much an indispensable

part of ethno-medicine and man’s nutrition that the use of

traditional medicines in treatment and management of

various disease is now encouraged by World Health

Organization (WHO). These plants are readily availability,

cost effective and have high potency against some diseases

[1, 2]. Some plants, however are known to contain

phytotoxins whereas others contain invaluable bio-actives. It

is imperative, thus, that man properly screens the

phytoconstituents of these sources before their use [3, 4].

Jatropha tanjorensis happens to be one of these plants used

both for ethno-medical and nutritional purposes [1, 4, 5].

Jatropha tanjorensis belongs to the family,

‘‘Euphorbiacea’’. It is a natural hybrid between J. curcas and

J. gossypifolia [6]. Jatropha tanjorensis is a native of central

America and has become naturalized in some tropical and

subtropical countries, like India, Nigeria and Canada [6]. Its

2 Mayel Mida Habila et al.: FTIR and GC-MS Analysis of the Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis Leaves

primary use is for fencing, while its secondary uses are as a

source of edible leafy vegetable and as medicine [7]. J.

tanjorensis leaf is commonly consumed as vegetable in many

parts of Southern Nigeria. It is commonly called hospital too

far, catholic vegetable, lapalapa [8]. In south-western

Nigeria, it is called ‘Catholic vegetable or Reverend father’s

vegetable possibly because it is grown in the premises of the

catholic churches as ornamentals [9].

J. tanjorensis is popular as a natural remedy against

diabetes in Southern Nigeria [10]. The leaf is used as heart

tonic and remedy for hypertension in some parts of Nigeria

[8]. The aqueous leaf extract of J. tanjorensis exhibit

antibacterial activity against bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus

and Escherichia coli [7].

J. tanjorensis has received a lot of attention due to its

potential health benefits, availability and affordability [11,

12]. Phytochemical screening of Jatropha tanjorensis leaf

revealed that it contains bioactive components such as

alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycoside,

anthraquinones and saponins [11]. These compounds are

known as secondary plant metabolites and are organic

compounds from plants that are not directly involved in the

normal growth, development or reproduction of the plant

[13]. Other than the direct usage of secondary plant

metabolites in their original forms as drugs, these compounds

can also be used as drug precursors, templates for synthetic

modification, and pharmacological probes [14].

It has been reported that Jatropha leaves are rich in beta

blockers, anti-cancer agents, anti-anaemic, anti-microbial

activities, anti-plasmodial and anti-oxidant effects against

oxidative stress induced by malaria parasite [15].

There is, however, a dearth of information in the body of

literature about the phyto-components in the leaves of J.

tanjorensis that helps it perform several pharmacological

activities in human health. J. tanjorensis is used in rural areas

for different purposes without a proper knowledge of the

phytoconstituents. It is not new, however, that some plants

contain toxic phytochemicals while some contain

phytochemicals with antibiotic, antimalarial, antioxidant, and

other beneficial properties. Also, there are limitations in the

use of synthetic medicines for treatment of various diseases

due to various challenges such as poor drug solubility,

stability, adsorption and high toxicity. Some of these drugs

are very expensive and generally unavailable to citizens of

developing countries, especially those residing in the rural

areas [16]. The drawbacks in the use of these drugs for

therapeutic activities has now encourage the use of locally

made herbal medicine as a second choice. Hence, this work

aimed at investigating (qualifying and quantifying) the

phytochemical components in J. tanjorensis leaves using

GC-MS and FT-IR as tools.

This research will provide information about the functional

groups and the different phytochemicals (including the

volatile ones) in Jatropha tanjorensis leaves. This

information will guide our decision in the application of this

local plant, Jatropha tanjorensis, in different areas such as in

nutrition, medicine, pharmacology, biotechnology, etc. The

outcome of this work might help justify its application in

treating or managing many health diseases which include

anaemia, hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases

as it is cheap and readily available when compared to the

costly synthetic drugs.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Collection of Plant Material

Fresh J. tanjorensis leaves were collected from around

New Market, Wukari, Taraba state, Nigeria.

2.2. Extraction of the Plant Material

The leaf was thoroughly washed and shade-dried at room

temperature. The dried materials were well grinded into

powder using mortar and pestle, and later packed with No.1

Whatman filter paper. The package was placed in a Soxhlet

apparatus and run with different solvents. The crude extracts

were collected and dried at an ambient temperature of 30°C,

after which yield was weighed and taken for further analysis.

2.2.1. Aqueous Extraction

25 g of whole plant leaf powder was dissolved in 100ml

hot distilled water contained in conical flask and was kept on

a rotary shaker for 12 hours and allowed to run at 80 rpm.

The residue was filtered using No.1 Whatman filter paper.

Residue was collected and dried first on a hot water bath to

remove wetness which was then kept in the oven. After

drying, the residue was scraped to weigh 5 mg and then

dissolved in 5ml sterile distilled water to prepare aqueous

extract and was then stored in a refrigerator at 4°C for further

use.

2.2.2. Ethanolic Extraction

25 g powdered shade-dried leaf of J. tanjorensis were

macerated with distilled water, 70% and 95% ethanol in 125

ml of each of the solvent at room temperature for 48 hours.

The extracts were filtered with a clean sieving mesh and then

concentrated using Whatmann filter paper and vacuum rotary

evaporator at about 60°C. The concentrated filtrate was then

transferred to air-tight containers, corked and preserved in

the refrigerator at 4°C until further analysis.

2.3. FT-IR Spectroscopic Analysis

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FT-IR) is

perhaps the most powerful tool for identifying the types of

chemical bonds/functional groups present in the

phytochemicals. The wavelength of light absorbed is the

salient feature of the chemical bonds seen in the annotated

spectrum. By interpreting the infrared absorption spectrum,

the chemical bonds in a compound can be determined.

Dried powders of different solvent extracts of each plant

material were used for FT-IR analysis. 10 mg of the dried

extract powder was encapsulated in 100 mg of KBr pellet, in

order to prepare translucent sample discs. The powdered

sample of each plant specimen was loaded in FT-IR

Open Science Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering 2021; 8(1): 1-11 3

spectroscope (Shimadzu, IR Affinity 1, Japan), with a Scan

range from 400 to 4000 cm-1

with a resolution of 4 cm-1

.

2.4. GC-MS Analysis

Gas chromatography study includes the important

optimization process such as introduction of sample extract

onto the GC column, separation of its components on an

analytical column and detection of target analysis by using

mass spectrometry (MS) detector.

GC- MS analysis of the extracts were carried out with GC-

MS Clarus 500 Perkin Elmer system and gas chromatograph

interfaced to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS) employing the

following conditions: Column Elite -1 fused silica capillary

column (30mm x 0.25 mm ID x 1 mdf, composed of 100%

Dimethyl poly silaxane), operating in electron impact mode at

70 eV; Helium (99.999%) was used as a carrier gas at a constant

flow of 1 ml /min and an injection volume of 0.5 l was

employed (split ratio of 10:1); injector temperature 250°C; Ion-

source temperature 280°C. The oven temperature was

programmed from 110 C (isothermal for 2 min), with an

increase of 10°C /min, to 200°C then 5°C /min to 280°C ending

with a 9 minute, isothermal at 280°C. Mass spectra were taken

at 70 eV; a scan interval of 0.5 seconds and fragments from 40

to 550 Da. Total GC running time was 36 min [17].

2.5. Proximate Analysis of Jatropha

tanjorensis Leaves

Proximate analysis was carried out by AOAC method

3. Results

Table 1. Phytocomponents detected in the 95% ethanol extract of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves by GC-MS analysis.

S/N Retention Time Name of Compound Molecular Formula Peak Area % Chemical Structure

1. 56.862 Oleic acid C18H34O2 1.69

C18H34O2, M.W. 282.47

2. 60.241 Cyclododecanol, 1-aminomethyl- C13H27NO 1.86

C13H27NO, M.W. 213.36

3. 63.804 n – Tridecan -1- ol C13H28O 3.18

C13H28O, M.W. 200.36

4. 64.375 1H - 1, 2, 3, 4 – Tetrazole -1 – propanamide, N-(2-pyrazinyl)

C8H9N7O 5.85

C8H9N7O, M.W. 219.2

5. 65.285 Imidazol-1-yl methanol C4H6N2O 1.25

C4H6N2O, M.W. 98.1

6. 65.708 Docosanoic acid nonyl ester C31H62O2 5.26

C31H62O2, M.W. 466.8

7. 66.002 3-(Prop-2-enoyloxy) dodecane C15H28O2 1.36

C15H28O2, M.W. 240.38

8. 67.096 Lauric anhydride C24H46O3 73.54

C24H46O3, M.W. 382.6202


Figure 1. GC/MS chromatogram of 95% ethanol extract of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves.

Table 2. Phytocomponents detected in the 70% ethanol extract of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves by GC-MS analysis.

S/N Retention time Name of compound Molecular formular Area % Chemica Structure

1. 56.843 9,12-Octadecadienal C18H32O 4.33

C18H32O, M.W. 264.4461

2. 60.252 Cyclohexanol, 1R-4-trans-acetamido -2,3-trans-epoxy- C8H13NO3 1.36

C8H13NO3, M.W. 171.19

3. 61.984 Trichothec-9-en-8-one, 12,13-epoxy -3,7,15-trihydroxy-, monoacetate, (3.alpha.,7.alpha.)

C17H22O7 1.13

C17H22O7, M.W. 338.4


S/N Retention time Name of compound Molecular formular Area % Chemica Structure

4. 62.121 2-Butyn-1-ol, 4-methoxy- C5H8O2 1.03

C5H8O2, M.W. 100.12

5. 63.177 Oxalic acid, monoamide, C11H19N03 1.04

6. 63.795 Decane, 1-(ethenyloxy)- C12H24O 3.75

C12H24O, M.W. 184.32

7. 64.514 2-Heptanol, 4-methyl- C8H18O 9.93

C8H18O, M.W. 130.229

8. 65.017 Methoxyacetic acid, tridecyl ester C16H32O3 21.77

C16H32O3, M.W. 272.42


C15H28O2, M.W. 240.38

10. 66.015 Cyclododecanol, 1-aminomethyl- C13H27NO 3.03

C13H27NO, M.W. 213.36

11. 66.188 Imidazol-1-yl methanol C4H6N2O 3.42

C4H6N2O, M.W. 98.1

12. 66.902 Carbamic acid, N-(3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-, glycidyl ester

C11H12CINO4 14.56

C11H12CINO4, M.W.

257.67

13. 67.149 Dodecanoic acid, 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester C39H74O6 22.93

C39H74O6, M.W. 639.0


Figure 2. GC/MS chromatogram of 70% ethanol extract of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves.

Table 3. Phytocomponents detected in the aqueous extract of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves by GC-MS analysis.

S/N Retention Time Name of Compound Molecular Formula Area % Chemical Structure

1. 56.844 2-Methyl-Z,Z-3,13-octadecadienol C19H36O 5.53

2. 60.294

Cyclopentanol, 2-(aminomethyl)-, cis C6H13NO 2.27

C6H13NO, M.W. 115.17

3. 62.116 Methoxyacetic acid, tetradecyl ester C17H34O3 2.29

C17H34O3, M.W. 286.4

4. 63.163 Heptane,4-ethyl- C9H20 6.11

C9H20, M.W. 128.25


S/N Retention Time Name of Compound Molecular Formula Area % Chemical Structure

5. 63.783 Tridecane, 2,5-dimethyl- C15H32 11.19

C15H32, M.W. 212.41

6. 64.481 Octane, 2-methyl- C9H20 18.19

C9H20, M.W. 128.258

7. 65.256 2-Heptanol, 4-methyl- C8H18O 27.28

C8H18O, M.W. 130.229


C15H28O2, M.W. 240.38

Figure 3. 1 GC/MS chromatogram of aqueous extract of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves.

Table 4. FTIR results of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves.

S/N Wave number (cm-1) Functional group/ Mode of vibration Inference

1. 3254.0 –C≡C–H:C–H stretch alkynes (terminal)

2. 2918.5 C-H stretch Alkanes and Alkyls

3. 2851.4 C-H stretch Alkanes and Alkyls

4. 1733.2 C=O stretch esters, saturated aliphatic

5. 1580.4 N–H bend 1˚ amines

6. 1405.2 C–C stretch (in–ring) Aromatics

7. 1539.4 N–O asymmetric stretch nitro compounds

8. 1267.3 C–N stretch aromatic amines

9. 1013.8 C–N stretch aliphatic amines

10. 1099.6 C-F stretch Alkyl halides

11. 887.1 =C-H bend Alkenes


Figure 4. FTIR spectrum of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves.

Table 5. Proximate analysis results for Jatropha tanjorensis leaves.

Parameter Value (%)

Moisture content 0.65

Ash 9.80

Crude protein 38.56

Fat 19.60

Crude fibre 18.71

Carbohydrate 12.68

4. Discussion

The results for GC/MS analysis (table 3 and figure 3) of

the aqueous extract of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves revealed

the presence of 50 phytochemicals from which the following

8 compounds written with their equivalent areas in

parenthesis were the most abundant: 2-Methyl-Z,Z-3,13-

octadecadienol (5.53%), Cyclopentanol, 2-(aminomethyl)-,

cis (2.27%), Methoxyacetic acid, tetradecyl ester (2.29%),

Heptane, 4-ethyl- (6.11%), Tridecane, 2,5-dimethyl-

(11.19%), Octane, 2-methyl- (18.19%), 2-Heptanol, 4-

methyl- (27.28%) and 3-(Prop-2-enoyloxy) dodecane

(17.65%). The above listed phytochemicals revealed the

presence of rich bioactive components in the aqueous extract

of Jatropha tanjorensis which have numerous roles in man.

The terpenoid 2-Methyl-Z, Z-3,13-octadecadienol has been

reported to be a good insecticidal agent [18], a methyl donor,

methyl guanidine inhibitor, and a catechol-O-methyl

transferase inhibitor. Methyl guanidine is a uremic toxin and

a nitric oxide (NO) synthase (EC.1.14.13.39) inhibitor. In

humans, nitric oxide synthase produces NO which plays a

role in a range of physiological processes, including

neurotransmission, blood clotting, and the control of blood

pressure. Therefore, inhibition of methyl guanidine (a nitric

oxide synthase inhibitor) by 2-Methyl-Z, Z-3,13-

octadecadienol will enhance such physiological processes.

Also, COMT (catechol-O-methyl transferase) inhibitors are

used (in combination with levodopa) to treat the motor

symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and they work by blocking

the action of enzymes that degrade levodopa, thereby

extending the time of levodopa activity [19]. Methoxyacetic

acid, tetradecyl ester is an acidifier and acidulant while

butylated tetradecyl ester has been reported to have both anti-

inflammatory and antimicrobial activities [20]. 2,5-dimethyl-

tridecane has been found in plants with cytotoxic activities

and those used as condiments [21, 22]. 2-methyl-octane is an

essential component of date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

[23] and Hypericum perforatum, a plant with reported

antidepressant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial,

and wound healing properties [24, 25].


the 95% ethanolic extract of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves

revealed the presence of 26 phytochemicals from which the

following 8 compounds written with their equivalent areas in

parenthesis were the most abundant: Oleic acid (1.69%),

Cyclododecanol, 1-aminomethyl- (1.86%), n – Tridecan-1-ol

(3.18%), 1H - 1, 2, 3, 4 – Tetrazole -1- propanamide, N-(2-

pyrazinyl) (5.85), Imidazol-1-yl methanol (1.25%), 3-(Prop-

2-enoyloxy) dodecane (1.36%), Lauric anhydride (73.54%).

It has been mentioned that Oleic acid and Docosanoic acid

nonyl ester are arachidonic acid inhibitors, urinary-acidulants

and urine acidifiers [26]. Arachidonic acid inhibitors hinder

the 5-lipoxygenase catalyzed conversion of arachidonic acid

to 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), a survival and

proliferative factor for prostate cancer cells, there by

inducing apoptosis in these cells. Urine acidifiers, in

combination with proper diet, help maintain low urine pH,

thereby dissolving alkaline bladder stones, eliminating

urinary tract infections and enhancing renal health [19].

Central (i.e., intracerebroventricular ICV) administration

of oleic acid sends the CNS a “nutrient abundance” signal

that activates a cascade of neuronal events which culminate

in switching of energy source from carbohydrates to lipids,

also limiting further entry of exogenous and endogenous

nutrients into the circulation. This nutrient-activated neuronal

circuitry could be exploited for innovative treatment of

obesity and type 2 diabetes [27]. The vasculoprotective nitro-

oleic acid (OA-NO2), a derivative of oleic acid, has been

reported to serve, in vivo, as an antagonist of angiotensin-II


induced hypertension [28]. 3-(Prop-2-enoyloxy) dodecane is

propesic in function. n-Tridecan-1-ol is anaphylactic,

antitumour, decreases norepinephrine production and

increases natural killer cell activity. n-Tridecan-1-ol is a

natural mosquito control agent and it has been found in plants

like mango, Abrus precatorius L., and Lavandula

coronopifolia, some of which have antibacterial, antifungal,

carminative, sedative and antidepressant actions [29–31].

Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid), a hydrolysis product of lauric

anhydride (dodecanoic anhydride), has been reported as a

component of plants with medicinal potentials [30,32] and

also known to have antimicrobial activity [33].


the 70% ethanolic extract of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves

revealed the presence of 31 phytochemicals from which the

following 13 compounds written with their equivalent areas

in parenthesis were the most abundant: 9,12-Octadecadienal

(4.33%), Cyclohexanol, 1R-4-trans-acetamido-2,3-trans-

epoxy- (1.36%), Trichothec-9-en-8-one, 12,13-epoxy-3,7,15-

trihydroxy-, monoacetate, (3. alpha., 7. alpha.) (1.13%), 2-

Butyn-1-ol, 4-methoxy- (1.03%), Oxalic acid, monoamide,

(1.04%), Decane, 1-(ethenyloxy)- (3.75%), 2-Heptanol, 4-

methyl- (9.93%), Methoxyacetic acid, tridecyl ester

(21.77%), 3-(Prop-2-enoyloxy) dodecane (5.20%),

Cyclododecanol, 1-aminomethyl- (3.03%), Alpha-d-Glucose,

4,6-O-isopropyl idene-1-O-methyl-6-O-[4-bromobenzene

sulfonate] (3.42%), Carbamic acid, N-(3-chloro-4-

methoxyphenyl)-, glycidyl ester (14.56%) and Dodecanoic

acid, 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester (22.93%). Cyclohexanol, 1R-4-

trans-acetamido-2,3-trans-epoxy- acts as an anti-repellant, 5-

alpha-reductase inhibitor, aldolase reductase inhibitor,

angiotensin receptor blocker, and is used in down regulation

of nuclear and cytosol androgen. Angiotensin II increases

blood pressure by causing vasoconstriction of the arteriole.

Hence blocking of angiotensin receptors by cyclohexanol,

1R-4-trans-acetamido-2,3-trans-epoxy- will regulate blood

pressure by hindering the vasoconstriction caused by

angiotensin. 2-Butyn-1-ol, 4-methoxy- is an oligosaccharide

provider. Methoxyacetic acid, tetradecyl ester is an acidifier

and acidulant. Dodecanoic acid is antimicrobial in nature and

has been found in ethnobotanicals like Abrus precatorius L.

and Urospermum dalechampii [30,32]. With 2-hydroxy-1-

(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester, Dodecanoic acid serves as 17-

beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor, aryl

hydrocarbon hydroxylase inhibitor, testosterone hydroxylase

inducer, acidifier, arachidonic acid inhibitor, and increases

aromatic amino acid carboxylase activity, while it inhibits

production of uric acid. Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase is an

enzyme that converts polycyclic hydrocarbons to their

carcinogenic counterparts but its activity is inhibited by 2-

hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester, Dodecanoic acid.

This could help protect the body from xenobiotics. 2-

hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester is a testosterone

hydroxylase inducer, thus eliminating the unwanted role of

the steroid testosterone. Arachidonic acid inhibitors are also

used against some inflammatory conditions and

cardiovascular diseases. Inhibition of 17-beta-hydroxysteroid

dehydrogenase protects the body from the adverse effects of

steroids [34].

Tridecyl ester can be hydrolyzed to tridecane. Tridecane

and some of its derivatives play important roles in life. For

instance, 6-methyl tridecane has been reported to have

antimicrobial, antipyretic and anticoagulant activities [35].

Tridecane is also found in other medicinal plants like date

palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and Lagenaria breviflora R.

[23, 36]. Dodecanoic acid and 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester

(Tibehenin), also found in the Ayurvedic skin oil called Eladi

Kera Thailam, medicinally serve as acidifiers, acidulants,

arachidonic acid inhibitors, and to increase aromatic amino

acid carboxylase activity and inhibit production of uric acid

[34]. The inhibition of uric acid formation could help prevent

gout, exacerbation of diabetes, formation of urate, and kidney

stones. Increased aromatic amino acid carboxylase activity

due to dodecanoic acid and 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester found in

J. tanjorensis leaves could lead to conversion of L-DOPA and

5-hydroxytrptophane to catecholamines like serotonin,

epinephrine, etc., which increase flow of blood in affected

tissues, thereby reducing allergic reaction, itching,

inflammation, and pain.

The result of the FT-IR spectroscopic studies of Jatropha

tanjorensis leaves revealed the presence of alkynes, alkanes,

alkyls, esters, saturated aliphatics, 1˚ amines, aromatics, nitro

compounds, aromatic amines, aliphatic amines, alkyl halides

and alkenes (table 4 and figure 4). The absorption at 3254

cm-1

is attributed to –C≡C–H:C–H stretching from alkynes

present in the extract whereas the band at 2918.5cm-1

was

due to C- H stretch from alkanes and alkynes. The band at

2851.4cm-1

was due to C-H from alkanes and alkyls. The

band at 1733.2cm-1

was due to C=O stretch from esters and

saturated aliphatics, giving credibility to the presence of

important esters in the GC-MS results above. Example, 2-

hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester is a testosterone

hydroxylase inducer that eliminates the unwanted role of the

steroid testosterones [34]. The band at 1580.4cm-1

was due to

N-H bend, inferring primary amines whilst C-C stretch from

aromatics were responsible for the band at 1405.2cm-1

.

Polyphenols, biogenic aromatic amines and other aromatics

have well known for their neuroprotectictve and

cytoproptective antioxidant properties that could be exploited

for to manage a good number of disorders, especially

degenerative diseases [5]. N-(3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-

Carbamic acid (glycidyl ester) and imidazolyl methanol are

some of the aromatics detected by GC-MS in the present

study. The band at 1539.4cm-1

was due to N-O asymmetric

stretch, inferring nitro compounds whereas C-N stretch from

aromatic amines gave a band at 1267.3cm-1

. Some aromatic

amines and their derivatives have important pharmacological

roles. For instance, Levodopa is a precursor to dopamine

which are antioxidants and antidiebetics.

Ethylnorepinephrine is a sympathomimetic drug,

bronchiodilator, and is antidiabetic in nature. Dobutamine is

a β1-adrenergic receptor agonist approved for the treatment

of heart failure while amidol and edavarone may be classified

as nonspecific antioxidants [37]. The band at 1013.8cm-1

was


due to C-N stretch inferring aliphatic amines and that at

1099.6cm-1

was due to C-F stretch from alkyl halides. The

band at 887.1cm-1

was due to =C-H bend inferring alkenes.

These results are confirmative to the one under GC-MS

analysis and the phytochemicals whose functional groups

were confirmed in this analysis play important medicinal

roles.

The proximate analysis revealed that J. tanjorensis leaves

are a good source of protein, fat and fibre (lignocelllulosics

and others). The carbohydrate content was found to be lower

than those of crude protein and fat. The protein content

compares favourably to those of proteinaceous foods like

cowpea (V. unguiculata). J. tanjorensis recorded a higher crude

protein content (38.56%) but lower carbohydrate content

(12.68%) than reported for some local cowpea varieties

(Oraludi and Apama) by Ayogu et al. [38]. Thus, J. tanjorensis

could be a better plant protein source without the flatulence

caused by cowpeas. However, there is need to further identify

the specific amino acid contents of the crude protein in J.

tanjorensis. The carbohydrate content, however, falls far below

that reported for cassava and for tender cowpea leaves [39,

40], thereby making it not to be the choice source of

carbohydrate.

5. Conclusion

From the FTIR and GC/MS analysis of this research, it can

be concluded that the leave extracts of J. tanjorensis revealed

the presence of many phytochemical constituents and their

functional groups which is used in folkloric medicine for

therapeutic purposes.

6. Significance Statement

This study revealed the phytoconstituents (bioactive

components) and functional groups in J. tanjorensis leaves

that can be beneficial for the informed application of J.

tanjorensis leaves, and the discovery and development of

new pharmaceutical and nutritional products. This study will

help researchers uncover the critical areas of plant-based

nutritional and pharmaceutical agents that many researchers

were not able to explore. Thus, a new theory on nutritional

and pharmaceutical agents may be arrived at.

7. Recommendations

1. More information about the phyto-components in the

leaves of J. tanjorensis should be provided to man

especially those residing in rural arees.

2. J. tanjorensis should be made part of our diets as they are

very nutritious containing proteins, fats and carbohydates.

3. When extracting the phytochemicals of J. tanjorensis,

70% ethanol should be used as it gives higher yield.

Competing Interests

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Data Availability

All relevant data are within the paper and its supporting

information files.

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FTIR and GC-MS Analysis of the Aqueous and Ethanolic