Britain International of Exact Sciences (BIoEx) Journal

Phytochemical study and structural determination of the isolated product of Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae)

Andrianarijaona Mamy — 2025-09-02

A phytochemical and structural study of the leaves of Ricinus communis (castor bean plant) was conducted to identify and characterize its active compounds. The plant material, sourced from Madagascar, was subjected to sequential maceration with solvents of increasing polarity, yielding hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and methanolic extracts. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polysaccharides as the most abundant components, with moderate amounts of steroids and low concentrations of alkaloids and saponins. The DCM extract was further purified using thin-layer chromatography and column chromatography, leading to the isolation of a pure compound. Structural elucidation was performed using mass spectrometry (EI-MS) and one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, including 1H, 13C, and DEPT-135 experiments. The spectroscopic data established a molecular formula of C28H46O and a tetracyclic steroid structure with two degrees of unsaturation. A comparison of the obtained chemical shifts with those reported in the literature confirmed the compound's identity as Brassicosterol, a key phytosterol.

Phytochemical Analysis of a Medicinal Plant Senna Alata (Fabaceae)

Andrianarijaona Mamy — 2025-09-03

A preliminary phytochemical study was conducted on the bark of Senna alata, a medicinal plant widely used in Madagascar, to identify and isolate its chemical constituents. This plant is traditionally used for various ailments, including dermatological and respiratory issues. A sequential solid-liquid extraction with solvents of increasing polarity—hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and ethanol—was performed, with the polar ethanol extract yielding the highest mass. Phytochemical screening of the hydroethanolic extract confirmed the presence of several compound classes. Abundant polysaccharides and flavonoids were detected, along with low concentrations of alkaloids, steroids, saponins, and polyphenols. The DCM extract was then subjected to column chromatography, with fractions monitored by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), which was also used to optimize the solvent system for separation. This process isolated two pure fractions, F28-34 and F61-69. The more abundant fraction, F61-69 (8 mg), was selected for structural elucidation. Mass spectrometry revealed a molecular ion peak at m/z 400, establishing the compound's molecular weight. Subsequent analysis by 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy revealed a characteristic steroid skeleton. The compound contains 28 carbons and its Double Bond Equivalence (DBE) was calculated as 5, corresponding to four rings and one double bond. Based on the comprehensive spectroscopic data and a comparison to literature, the compound was definitively identified as Campesterol.

Phytochemical Analysis of Cynometra Madagascariensis (Fabaceae), a Malagasy Medicinal Plant

Andrianarijaona Mamy — 2025-09-04

A comprehensive phytochemical and physicochemical investigation was conducted on the bark of Cynometra madagascariensis, a plant of the Fabaceae family traditionally used in Madagascar to treat and heal wounds and burns. Sequential maceration extractions were performed with solvents of increasing polarity (hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol) to obtain a range of crude extracts. Subsequent phytochemical screening revealed a diverse chemical profile, with a significant presence of tannins and terpenoids, and lower concentrations of quinones and saponins. Alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, and steroids were notably absent from the bark. Chromatographic methods were then employed for the separation and isolation of constituents from the hexane extract. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was utilized to optimize the mobile phase and monitor the fractionation process. This led to the successful isolation of a pure compound, designated F58-60, through column chromatography. The structure of this molecule was elucidated using one-dimensional NMR spectroscopy (1H and 13C NMR). A comparative analysis of the spectroscopic data with published literature confirmed the compound's identity as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. This research provides a foundational understanding of the chemical composition of this medicinal plant and paves the way for further studies on the biological activities of its constituents.

Unveiling the Bio-Inspired and Green Chemistry Potential of Ceylon and Cape Gooseberries through Comprehensive Nutritional Profiling

Razafimahefa Mirana Verohanitra — 2025-09-04

This study meticulously investigates the chemical and nutritional profiles of two underexplored tropical fruit species indigenous to Madagascar: the Ceylon Gooseberry (Dovyalis hebecarpa) and the Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana). Characterizing such native species is vital for diversifying food sources and enhancing nutritional security, particularly in biodiversity-rich regions.Systematic analyses performed across various plant compartments, notably their foliage, revealed a significant richness in essential micronutrients. Leaves of both species demonstrated substantial concentrations of potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and aluminum. Furthermore, Physalis peruviana leaves exhibited a particularly significant protein content, elevating their prospective utility beyond fruit consumption. This robust nutritional profile reinforces their potential as valuable, locally sourced ingredients to foster balanced diets in the region. Parallel to the nutritional assessment, empirical processing trials were initiated to ascertain the technological feasibility and quality attributes of derived products, focusing on wine. The fermentation processes consistently yielded wines categorized as dessert wines, which demonstrated stable physicochemical characteristics and promising shelf-life properties. This intrinsic stability, coupled with their unique profiles, suggests compelling added value within agro-food valorization strategies. Collectively, these findings underscore the considerable potential of both Dovyalis hebecarpa and Physalis peruviana for the innovative development of novel food products. Such initiatives not only contribute to agricultural diversification but also align seamlessly with circular economy principles by utilizing underexploited plant parts, and sustainable development by fostering local biodiversity and resource efficiency. This research provides a scientific basis for promoting the cultivation and processing of these indigenous fruits, contributing to economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Phytochemical Analysis and Therapeutic Interests of Azadirchta Indica (Meliaceae)

Andrianarijaona Mamy — 2025-09-06

This study presents a phytochemical and structural investigation of Azadirachta indica, a plant widely used in traditional medicine in Madagascar for ailments such as malaria and fever. A systematic solid-liquid extraction of the plant's bark, employing solvents of increasing polarity, yielded various crude extracts. Subsequent phytochemical screening confirmed the abundance of key secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, tannins, polysaccharides, and saponins. The dichloromethane extract, having the highest yield, was selected for further analysis. A compound was successfully isolated from this extract using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and preparative column chromatography. Its structure was then elucidated using a combination of one-dimensional spectroscopic techniques, including Electron Ionization Mass Spectrometry (EI-MS), 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and 13C NMR (with DEPT-135). The analysis of the spectral data, combined with a comprehensive literature review, led to the identification of the isolated molecule as 2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-4-carboxylic acid, an alkaloid with the molecular formula C10H7NO3. This compound is characterized by a two-ring system and six degrees of unsaturation, consistent with its spectral data. This research not only validates the traditional use of the plant but also provides a foundation for future pharmacological studies on this isolated compound.

Enhancing the Value of Sweet Potatoes in Madagascar: Between Food Security and Productive Capital – A Socio-Anthropological Approach

Ramangarijaona Simon Ludovic — 2025-09-08

This study focuses on the valorization of sweet potatoes in Madagascar from the perspective of food security and the accumulation of productive capital, as defined by Nurkse—that is, through the establishment of basic infrastructure. The research was conducted in the geographic areas of Ankazobe, in the northern highlands, as well as in Tsarasaotra in the Amoron'i Mania region, and in Soaindrana and Talata Ampano in the Matsiatra Ambony region. These areas are distinguished by their diverse sociocultural and economic characteristics. The central question is whether it is reasonable to consider development based on a modest, indigenous yet widespread resource like the sweet potato. The findings indicate that if its production were to increase, following a shift in the devaluing perceptions commonly associated with it, this would lead to strengthened food security. Furthermore, if basic innovations—both technical and organizational—are adopted in rural settings, the production of this tuber crop could promote the rapid accumulation of productive capital, a key element in any development process. Drawing on De Sardan’s framework of entangled social logics, which emphasizes changes in mentality, the concept of agency, and Weber’s ideal-type vision of capitalism, the objective is to move away from grand macroeconomic development theories and adopt a pragmatic approach centered on local potential. Development must therefore be rethought as a cultural process, grounded in representations and enculturated behaviors (habitus, hexis), by establishing a link between increased production and rural mentalities. The study also shows that ongoing innovations in production methods—such as those related to sweet potatoes—do not necessarily need to be expensive to trigger mechanisms for the formation of productive capital.

Phytochemical analysis of Leptadenia madagascariensis Decne (Apocynaceae)

Andrianarijaona Mamy — 2025-09-10

Leptadenia madagascariensis Decne, a woody climbing vine endemic to Madagascar, has long been utilized in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties, despite a lack of detailed scientific investigation. This study was conducted to perform a comprehensive phytochemical analysis of the plant’s aerial parts, thereby contributing to the chemical validation of its ethnobotanical applications and supporting national conservation efforts. The powdered plant material was successively macerated with hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and methanol, yielding crude extracts with varying polarity. Phytochemical screening of these extracts revealed a significant concentration of polysaccharides, saponins, and steroids. The DCM extract, showing a promising phytochemical profile, was selected for further purification. An initial analysis by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) indicated the presence of four dominant compounds. Subsequent separation using column chromatography resulted in the isolation of a pure compound from fractions 55 to 70. The structure of this isolated compound was determined through a combination of spectroscopic techniques, including mass spectrometry and one-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy (1H NMR, 13C NMR, and DEPT). The spectral data were compared with literature values, leading to the definitive identification of the molecule as β-Sitosterol, a common tetracyclic steroid. This finding confirms the presence of therapeutically valuable steroid compounds in L. madagascariensis, providing a scientific basis for its traditional use and a starting point for further pharmacological research.