Extraction of Phytochemical Constituents from the Leaves of Vitex trifolia in the Inhibition of Lipoxygenase, Cyclooxygenase, Tyrosinase and Xanthine Oxidase.

Background: Herbal medicines are often used to stimulate the immune system in an attempt to prevent disease, as well as to induce specific cures. The use of phyto medicines is becoming more scientifically based, with increasing emphasis placed on proven product safety and efficacy. Methods: In the present study, the leaves of Vitex trifolia were extracted with distilled water, 1M Na2CO3 and 70% methanol. The extracted contents were screened to identify the presence of various phytochemicals. The contents of Na2CO3 and methanol were filtered, centrifuged and the supernatant was collected. The supernatant of Na2CO3 extract was collected and the alkaloid layer was separated in a separating funnel using alcohol. The contents were analysed for thin layer chromatography and phytochemical constituents. Result: Thin layer chromatography was performed at 360 nm the Rf value were 0.953, 0.230, 0.184, 0.153, 0.123 and in 240 nm Rf values 0.953, 0.338, 0.184, 0.153, 0.123 were obtained. The methanol extract was condensed at 40oC and dissolved in chloroform. Rf at 360 nm of 0.714, 0.396, 0.158 and at 240 nm with Rf values 0.714, 0.492, 0.349. The activity of extracts on Xanthine oxidase, tyrosinase and cyclooxygenase were estimated and the inhibition percentage of all the three was calculated as 59.34, 61.23, 71.02 and 51 respectively. The values obtained with flavanoid extracts for the same set of enzymes were 70.22, 81.48, 94.8 and 74.36 respectively. In this study, inhibition properties of flavanoid extracts were greater than that of alkaloid extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]