Device for the extraction and identification of bioactive compounds from Kigelia africana

Abstract

A device for the extraction and identification of bioactive compounds from Kigelia africana, comprising an extraction module, a solvent control system, a chromatographic separation unit and an analytical detection interface for the sequential extraction and quantification of phytoconstituents.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the field of phytochemical and analytical instrumentation, in particular an integrated extraction and identification device for the isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds from the fruits of Kigelia africana. The system combines solvent-based extraction, chromatographic separation, and analytical detection technologies in a compact platform for the standardized evaluation of constituents of medicinal plants. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Medicinal plants have long been rich sources of bioactive compounds with therapeutic and nutraceutical properties. Kigelia africana, commonly known as the sausage tree, is traditionally used in African herbal medicine to treat various ailments, including skin diseases, infections, and inflammations. Despite its widespread medicinal use, the chemical profile of its fruit is inconsistent due to variations in extraction methods, solvents, and analytical techniques. Conventional phytochemical extraction methods often require multiple instruments and time-consuming manual labor. Furthermore, reproducibility is compromised by uncontrolled parameters such as temperature, solvent ratio, and extraction time. Identifying bioactive compounds also typically requires separate apparatus for chromatographic separation (e.g., chromatography, chromatography, or chromatography).Thin-layer chromatography or high-performance liquid chromatography) and spectroscopic analysis, which increases the complexity of the procedure.

[0003] There remains a significant need for a standardized, automated, and environmentally friendly device for the sequential extraction, isolation, and quantification of phytoconstituents from Kigelia africana or other plant sources. The present invention provides such a system—it integrates all the essential steps of phytochemical analysis into a single, optimized platform designed for accuracy, reproducibility, and high sample throughput. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention provides an instrument for the extraction and identification of bioactive compounds from Kigelia africana, comprising integrated modules for solvent-based extraction, separation, and analytical detection. The instrument is configured to automate the extraction of bioactive phytoconstituents from plant material and analyze them using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The integrated units enable sequential extraction with various solvents such as water, ethanol, methanol, and dichloromethane, thus allowing for the comprehensive recovery of both polar and nonpolar bioactive compounds. The integrated detection system identifies phenylpropanoids, iridoid compounds, flavonoids, phenols, and naphthoquinones, while the data acquisition interface quantitatively measures compounds such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, rutin, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin.The device thus standardizes the entire process of phytochemical profiling of Kigelia africana and ensures reproducibility, precision and efficiency while minimizing manual errors and environmental impact. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0005] The invention describes a device for the extraction and identification of phytochemicals, consisting of an extraction module, a solvent circulation and control unit, a chromatographic separation system and an analytical detection interface.

[0006] The extraction module comprises a temperature-controlled chamber with an ultrasonic agitator, ensuring uniform penetration of the solvent into the dried and powdered fruit matrix of Kigelia africana. The system supports sequential extraction with various solvents, including water, ethanol, methanol, and dichloromethane, under controlled time and temperature conditions.

[0007] The solvent control unit regulates the solvent ratio, flow rate, and recovery, thus optimizing extraction yield while minimizing waste. The system's programmable interface allows for precise adjustment of extraction time and solvent polarity gradient, resulting in the efficient isolation of both polar and nonpolar compounds.

[0008] The chromatographic separation system integrates thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The TLC module provides a preliminary qualitative profile through digital image acquisition and comparison with reference standards. The HPLC module enables high-resolution quantitative analysis of phytoconstituents and determines their concentration and purity.

[0009] The analytical detection interface utilizes UV / Vis and photodiode array (PDA) detectors to identify characteristic absorption peaks of important phytochemicals. The data acquisition and processing software quantifies key bioactive compounds such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, rutin, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin, and generates detailed chromatographic profiles.

[0010] The system housing ensures contamination-free operation through integrated waste disposal and solvent recycling. The device provides reliable phytochemical data that correlate with the fruit's traditional medicinal and nutritional properties.

[0011] The design is scalable and enables the extraction and analysis of Kigelia africana as well as other medicinal plants on a laboratory and industrial scale. The invention thus offers an integrated, energy-efficient, and reproducible system for plant research, pharmaceutical validation, and the development of nutraceuticals.

Claims

[1] A device for the extraction and identification of bioactive compounds from Kigelia africana, comprising an extraction module, a solvent control system, a chromatographic separation unit and an analytical detection interface for the sequential extraction and quantification of phytoconstituents. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the extraction module comprises a temperature-controlled chamber with ultrasonic excitation for solvent-assisted extraction with aqueous, ethanolic, methanolic and dichloromethanic solvents for the recovery of both polar and nonpolar compounds. [3] Device according to claim 1, wherein the chromatographic separation unit integrates TLC and HPLC modules for qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytoconstituents, including phenylpropanoids, iridoids, flavonoids, phenols and naphthoquinones. [4] Device according to claim 1, wherein the analytical detection interface uses UV-Vis and PDA detectors with digital data processing software for quantifying bioactive compounds such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, rutin, chlorogenic acid and quercetin.