Thin layer chromatography (TLC) chemical profiling of ethanolic and aqueous extracts from gynura procumbens parts

Herbal products identification is vital to ensure the safety of the product and to minimize the adverse effect from consumption of adulterated products. Gynura procumbens (Lour.)Merr is a herbal medicinal plant traditionally used for remedy of constipation, burn, hypertension and diabetes mellitus (Morat et al.,2013). Thus, it is important to identify the plant as a measure of quality control. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) is well established method for product identification with advantages of a simple technique and cheap. The purpose of this study is to obtain the chemical profile of G.procumbens by using TLC method in order to make comparison between the TLC profiles developed from two extraction solvents (ethanol and water) with various part of the plant for product identification. G.procumbens leaves, stems and roots were extracted with ethanol or water and later subjected for TLC profiling. The results showed TLC profile of G.procumbens ethanolic and water extractions from different parts are unique. The leaves TLC profile showed more bands developed followed with stems and roots for both extraction solvents. Ethanol extracts of G.procumbens TLC profile developed more bands than water extracts. By conducting this experiment, TLC chemical profile from various plant parts of G.procumbens extracted with ethanol and water were used to authenticate the Herb 1. TLC profile of Herb 1 was different and unique from the leaves ethanolic extract of G.procumbens. Ethanol and water extracts of G.procumbens leaves, stems and roots are suitable for chemical profiling using TLC method with the mobile phase of ethyl acetate:formic acid:glacid acetic acid:water (25:3:3:5) (v/v).