Isolation of a mixture of Phytosterol compounds from the n-Hexane extract of Jatropha lagarinthoides (Sond) collected from Zebediela sub-region in Limpopo province, South Africa

The study aimed to isolate and identify the active principles from the leaves of Jatropha lagarinthoides. The dried leaves powder of Jatropha lagarinthoides was extracted with n-Hexane by cold maceration and subjected to silica gel 60 column chromatography that afforded isolation of a fraction (CPD1JH) with free radical scavenging activity and Rf value of 0.54. Mass spectrum of CPD1JH showed a molecular ion peak at m/z 412 which correspond to molecular formula C29H48O. 1H-NMR (acetone) spectrum of CPD1JH showed a multiplet signal at δ 3.36, 3.31 and an olefinic proton at δ 5.37. Other olefinic protons appeared as multiplets at δ 5.17, 4.12 and δ 406. Methyl protons appeared at δ 1.03, 0.89, 0.85 - 0.82. The isolated fraction also tested positive for both steroid and alcohol. Based on the chemical and spectroscopic characteristics of the isolated fraction, CPD1JH was concluded to be a mixture of two phytosterol compounds, Stigmasterol and β-Sitosterol.