Asian Journal of Medical Principles and Clinical Practice

Tannin Extraction and Analysis in Telfairia occidentalis Seeds: A TLC and UV-based Approach

Samuel Nzube Nwosu *

Department of Chemistry, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra, Nigeria.

Anthony Godswill Imolele

Alaiya’s Lab, Department of Biochemistry, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.

Zubair Rofeeah Opeyemi

Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin Kwara State, Nigeria.

Daniel Anuoluwapo Olarewaju

Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin Kwara State, Nigeria.

Nwajiaku Godian Chidozie

Department of Biochemistry, University of Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Caleb Enejoh Omede

Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

In this study, we extracted tannins from Telfairia occidentalis seeds and identified them using thin layer chromatography (TLC) in conjunction with ultraviolet (UV) analysis. We employed the "spot matching" technique to obtain numerical values, tallied, and represented them. TLC revealed three distinct spots with Rf values of 0.37, 0.41, and 0.56. UV analysis further confirmed these compounds, depicting different colors: diosgenin showed dark green, glycyrrhizin appeared purple, and an unidentified tannin with an Rf value of 0.56 was black. Researchers can use this TLC-UV method to help them find and possibly separate bioactive compounds from Telfairia occidentalis seeds. These compounds could be used in the pharmaceutical industry and for other sustainable productions.

Keywords: Telfairia occidentalis seed, tannins, characterization, diosgenin, glycyrrhizin

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