Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Agriculture - Department of Agricultural Biochemistry

This study aims to investigate the major constituents of calliandra haematocephala (hassk.) and breynia nivosa leaves. In addition, the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the total alcoholic extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in vivo were studied. Phytochemical screening of the various fractions of B. nivosa and C. haematocephala leaves revealed the presence of terpenoids, phytosterols, alkaloids, fixed oils, phenolics, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. Hexane fraction of C. haematocephala and B. nivosa leaves were fractionated by column chromatography and further purified by preparative HPTLC. From hexane fraction of C. haematocephala leaves lupeol and five sterols were isolated whereas, lupeol, lupeol acetate and Ý-sitosterol were isolated from hexane fraction of B. nivosa leaves. Ethyl acetate fraction of C. haematocephala and B. nivosa leaves were fractionated by column chromatography and sephadex LH-20 column and further purified by preparative HPTLC and on paper chromatography whatmann No 3. Six flavonoids were isolated and identified from C. haematocephala leaves. Two flavonoids and one phenolic acid were isolated and identified from B. nivosa leaves. Fatty acids composition of B. nivosa leaves comprised a much higher proportion of palmitic and linolenic acid. Unusual fatty acids 11-Octadecenoic acid and 10- Octadecynoic acid were detected in appreciable amounts. C. haematocephala leaves was found to comprise a much higher proportion of palmitic, linolenic acid, oleic, and linoleic acids

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