Discipline: Chemistry and Chemical Sciences
Subcategory: Chemistry (not Biochemistry)
Session: 2
Room: Exhibit Hall A
Brandon Dabney - Virginia State University
Gnetum Africanum (GA) is a wild plant eaten as a vegetable in some West African countries. This vegetable has been found to have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are extremely important in our daily lives because of their ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Therefore, this plant can be describe as anticarcinogenic and its introduction into normal diet may be a way to prevent certain forms of cancer. Despite this knowledge, very few studies have been done on GA and its effect on different cancer cell lines. The main objectives of this project are to extract, isolate, and purify phytochemicals found in GA, and eventually evaluate its anticarcinogenic properties on different cancer cell lines. Flavonoids were extracted from oven-dried leafs with hydrochloric acid. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) of the extract was done in five different solvents and analysis was done with UV light and iodine to determine the best solvent for the separation of the different components. Similarly, phenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids were extracted and analyzed. A 10 g sample of oven-dried leafs was placed in 100 ml of water or ethanol and refrigerated for 24 hr. The ethanol or water extract was then chromatographed and analyzed. Flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids were again tested for using 200-proof ethanol. Comparative studies of the extraction methods was done to determine the best or most effective method. Results show that extraction with 200-proof ethanol was better for the separation of alkaloids and terpenoids and that all four categories of phytochemicals can be found in GA. Data from the separation and purification of the different components using column chromatography and/or High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) will be shared. The identification of the various components will be done using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry GC/MS.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): Grace Ndip
Faculty Advisor: Grace N. DIP, gndip@vsu.edu
Role: Extracted the plant, separated and purified the compounds.