Spectrometric Detection of Organic Compounds and Toxicity of Ethanolic Leaves Extracts of Prosopis Juliflora

Spectrometric detection of saponins, tannins and alkaloids in Prosopis juliflora using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is reported in this paper. Crude dry plant powders and corresponding ethanolic extracts were mixed with potassium bromide (KBr) powder and compressed to a thin pellet for infrared examination. The plant powders, ethanolic extracts and leaves ethanolic extract (LEE) fractions exhibited characteristic infrared spectra due to various functional groups –OH, -C=O, C-H, and C=C absorptions. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of saponins, tannins and alkaloids in the tested specimens. Prosopis juliflora whole plant parts were used as a reference sample. Toxicity and safety levels of P. juliflora were also investigated. Acute and sub-acute toxicity of P. juliflora ethanolic leaves extract was evaluated using Swiss albino rats. All clinical signs and symptoms were recorded within 24 hours. These results indicated that direct detection of bioactive compounds was possible by infrared analysis. Toxicity symptoms were moderately observed and post mortem did not show any major gross effects on the internal organs. Keywords: Prosopis juliflora, infrared examination, potassium bromide, acute and sub-acute toxicity, clinical signs, doses, symptoms