Phytochemical Profiling and FT-IR Spectroscopic Analysis of Selected Anti-Leishmanial Plants

Abstract

Bioactive chemicals found in medicinal plants have long been used to treat and prevent a wide range of human illnesses. As they are essential in the fight against infectious disorders like leishmaniasis. Eucalyptus globulus, Lawsonia inermis, and Syzygium jambolana were selected to determine the phytochemical components in their leaves that may have anti-leishmanial qualities. The leaves of selected plants were dried and grounded into fine powder and extracted using a solvent system of methanol, chloroform and water, (80ml:10 ml:10 ml). After filteration, the filterate was concentrated using a rotary evaporator. The extracts were subjected to phytochemical analysis, organoleptic evaluation and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results showed the occurrence of flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, phenolics and tannins but no proteins was found in leaves of aforementioned plants. FTIR analysis of Eucalyptus globulus leaves revealed the presence of alkenes and hydroxyl functional groups that indicating phenols, carboxylic acids or alcohols. Similarly Lawsonia inermis's FTIR analysis revealed several functional groups by identification of characteristic vibrational bands. Numerous functional groups, such as phenolic compounds, carboxylic acids and alkyl groups were detected in Lawsonia inermis FTIR analysis. FTIR spectrum showed 11 distinct peaks indicating the presence of important functional groups such as carboxylic acids, phenolics, alkyl groups, and aromatic rings in leaves of Syzygium jambolana. These peaks indicated a high concentration of bioactive substances with strong anti-leishmanial effects, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. Due to high medicinal potential, these plant were considered as potent sources of bioactive constituents to be used against leishmaniasis.