ISOLATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF 5-HYDROXY-3METHYL-2-PHENYL-6,7-DIHYDROFURO-CHROMEN-4-ONE FROM THE SEEDS OF BRACHYSTEGIA EURYCOMA HARMS.

Abstract

Chemical investigation of the bioactive constituents from the seeds of Brachystegia eurycoma Harms resulted in the isolation of 5 – hydroxy – 3 – methyl – 2 – phenyl – 6, 7- dihydrofuro – chromen – 4 – one. Colum and thin layer chromatographic techniques were employed in separating the compound from ethanolic extract of the seeds. The structure was elucidated using Infrared Spectroscopy, Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry. Antifungal studies showed that the isolated compound successfully inhibited Aspergillus niger, Penicillium notatum and Fusarium oxysporum. These results authenticate the use of the plant in phytomedicine for disease prevention and treatment of infections.