ABSTRACT
Introduction
The utilization of medicinal plants stems back from ancient times. They have played an integral
part in the treatment of various ailments and as such have been incorporated into modern
healthcare treatment options. Most of these plants are still being utilized in their natural crude
form, with only a few minor adjustments made to better their efficacy. The downside is that
such plants have yet to be fully exploited to exert their maximal benefits. In this dissertation,
the purpose was to explore the phytochemical composition of Asparagus racemosus and to
isolate a pure compound from the extract obtained.
Methodology
Phytochemical tests were carried out on the powdered leaves and branches of A. racemosus.
The chloroform, chloroform: methanol and methanol extracts of the leaves were studied using
thin layer chromatography. The chromatograph with the better profile, the chloroform extract,
was subjected to a column fractionation process. The fractions obtained were merged based on
similarity in the TLC profile and the calculated Rf values. These were subjected to crystallization,
with the aim of isolating the pure compound. The crystals of the pure compound were analyzed
using TLC.
Results and Conclusion
The plant material was found to contain saponins, alkaloids, tannins and glycosides.
Fractionation led to isolation of a pure compound via crystallization.
Asparagus racemosus contains a variety of phytochemical constituents which are isolable.