Characterization of Phytoestrogen 3 (0) -2, 4, 6-Trimethoxyphenyl Androstane Carboxyaldehyde from Piper Guineense Leaf

Abstract

Introduction

Piper guineense is a plant commonly used as a spice in Eastern Nigeria; there have been confirmed and unconfirmed reports of its numerous applications in medicine.  The parts of the plant are said to be of immense benefit to the health and wellbeing and our research was aimed at unveiling the   bioactive compounds that were responsible for its numerous applications.

Objectives.

The research objectives were to isolate bioactive compounds from the dried and pulverized leaf of Piper guineense using convectional laboratory techniques

Method  

 Sample was collected, identified, room dried and extracted. The Compound was isolated from column chromatography using chloroform and methanol mix which gave yellow oil. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) carried out on the compound showed one spot upon iodine vapour development with retardation factor (Rf = 0.40). An infra-Red analysis of the sample was carried out using FTIR (Fourier transform infra-red) Spectrophotometer BX-model Perkin Eimer. The Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum ( IH) and  carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectrum  (13C)NMR were obtained on a Bruker Avance 400 FT NMR Spectrometer using tetra methyl silane as internal standard.  LC – ESIMS spectrum was determined in the positive ion mode on a PE. Biosystem APl 156 single quadruple instrument. .

Result

Analysis of the results gave the compound 3[0] -2’, 4’, 6’- trimethoxypheyl, Androstan carboxaldehyde with molecular formula C¬¬¬29 H40 O5,  m/ƶ   468.

Conclusion   

The isolated compound is a phytoestrogen and , could be used in the treatment of infertility in women and low sperm count in men. The compound could act as a fertility booster to men.