HPTLC/HPLC-mass spectrometry identification and NMR characterization of major flavonoids of wild lemongrass (Cymbopogon giganteus) collected in Burkina Faso

Cymbopogon giganteus is a medicinal plant from Burkina Faso whose leaves are used in many traditional recipes to treat several diseases. However, no scientific studies have been reported on the analysis of bioactive molecules of the plant. It is therefore for the first time that flavonoids are isolated from the leaves of the Burkina Faso species. The aim was to quantify, isolate and characterize the major flavonoids in methanol extracts of the plant leaves by spectrophotometry, chromatography and NMR respectively. Flavonoid content analysis showed values ranging from 134 to 270 μg QE/mg extract. HPTLC-MS identified six peaks corresponding to phenolic compounds. By a succession of chromatography on column and by chemical, physicochemical and physical methods, we could isolate and characterize three flavonoids: epicatechin, luteolin 8-C-glucosid and luteolin 6-C-glucosid which structures were characterized by NMR. This study has provided relevant results to contribute to the knowledge of bio-active molecules of the local flora of Burkina Faso for their consideration as an alternative to synthetic products in various fields.