Phytochemical and Structure Elucidation of Stigmasterol from the Stem Bark of Pseudocedrela kotschyi (Harms) (Meliaceae)

Aim: To perform phytochemical screening, isolate and characterize components from the n-hexane extract of Pseudocedrela kotschyi stem bark.

Methodology: The stem bark of P. kotschyi was collected, prepared and exhaustively extracted using analytical graded n-hexane and phytochemical constituents were determined according to the standard method. The Column chromatography technique was used to isolate and purify compound from n-hexane extract using gradient elution techniques. The isolated compound (PKV) obtained was subjected to physical, chemical and spectral analysis by UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR.

Results: The Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of steroid/triterpenes and cardiac glycosides. The phytochemical investigation of the hexane extract of Pseudocedrela kotschyi led to the isolation of stigmasterol from the stem bark. The structure was ascertained by extensive comparison of the 1D & 2D NMR data and with their physical appearance with that reported in literature earlier.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the isolation of this compound from this plant.