Publications

Background: Firmiana colorata is notable for its use in traditional medicine. Isolation, structural elucidation of its bioactive compounds and scientific reasoning for its traditional use renders authenticity to the plant and corroborate the search for novel semi-synthetic compounds with potent medicinal properties. 

Objective: The current study aimed to report the isolation, structural elucidation and identification of two bioactive compounds from leaf and flower extracts of F. colorata using chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. 

Methodology: Pure compounds were isolated from leaf and flower extracts respectively through column chromatography using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol mixture. 

Results: Two pure compounds, one isolated from a leaf extract (Compound 1) and the other from a flower extract (Compound 2), were successfully obtained using column chromatography. Based on a comparison of the spectral data of F. colorata with literature references, Compound 1 from the leaf extract was identified as stearic acid, and Compound 2 from the flower extract was identified as p-Coumaric acid. 

Conclusion: Leaves of F. colorata are a good source of stearic acid which may find application in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. p-Coumaric acid is considered the contributor to the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties exhibited by the flower extracts of F. colorata. 

Keywords: Firmiana colorata, Bioactive compounds, Stearic acid, p-coumaric