Identification of alkaloids from the methanol Leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana using HPLC/GC-MS

Background: Different parts of Acalypha wilkesiana has been reportedly used in the treatment of diverse ailments traditionally. These are due to the presence of phytochemicals such as fatty acids, steroids, flavonoids, glycosides and terpenes. The aim of the study was to identify alkaloids in the leaves of A. wilkesiana which have been linked to some of its traditional usage by High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Methods: Dried, pulverized leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana were macerated with methanol and the extract obtained was subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analyses. Results: Seven alkaloids were identified by GC-MC technique: 1-Phenyl-3,5,7-trimethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrazolo(3,4-B)(1,4)diazepine; 1H-1,2,4-Triazole; Indolizine; Methyl-2-oxo￾1H,5H,6H,7H-cyclopenta[B]pyridine-3-carboxylate; 3-Methyl-2-henylindole; Furazano [3,4-B]pyrazin-5(4H)-one; 1H-Isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione. Also, the HPLC analysis was able to identify five classes of alkaloidal compounds; quinolinamine, benzenesulfonamide, allylamine, benzamide and indolizine. Conclusion:The leaves of A. wilkesiana contain useful alkaloids that may be implicated in some of its traditional uses and as source of important bioactive molecules.