Phytochemical Analysis of Nigerian and Egyptian Henna (Lawsonia Inermis L.) Leaves using TLC, FTIR and GCMS

This study designed to compare phytochemicals for both Nigerian and Egyptian henna using preliminary test for secondary metabolites, thin layer chromatography (TLC), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Gas Chromatography Mass spectroscopy (GCMS). Lawsonia inermis L. (Lythraceae) commonly called henna known for its cosmetic properties. The active ingredients in the leaves were extracted and fractionated using chloroform, ether, methanol, and ethyl-acetate. The resultant fractions primarily analyzed for secondary metabolites and secondarily. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, quinines, resins and sterols. The presence or absence of all the phytochemicals in these solvents was more or less similar between both samples. TLC profiling shows 9 bands of chemical compounds that are significantly similar in both samples. The FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of 8 functional in both samples and an additional of aliphaticiodo compound in Egyptian sample. Sixteen and seventeen compounds identified in Nigerian and Egyptian samples respectively by GCMS analysis. Lawsone (2-hydroxy 1, 2-naphtoquinone) is one out of 7 common chemical compounds identified in both samples. The common compound identified by TLC, FTIR, and GCMS were found to be significantly similar in both quantity and quality. Thus, the research confirmed henna to be an important source of phytochemicals of immense pharmaceutical significance.