Isolation and Characterization of Methoxy, Propoxy Dimethylamine from Detarium Senegalense Seed

Detarium senegalense Gmelin. is a leguminous tree widely used in Nigeria for food and medicine. It produces fruits that are nutritious. The seeds have been applied to control blood-glucose levels in diabetic individuals. Report showed that the seeds are used for the treatment of mosquito bites and as an antidote against arrow poison and snake bite. Despite its rich pharmacological potential, the plant has not been scientifically evaluated. Thus the Chemical investigation of the bioactive constituents of the seed of Detarium senegalense resulted in the isolation of a new compound, 2l , 2l ,-dimethyl 11,11 7, 7- tetrahydroxy- 6 – methoxy –1- propoxy 3,4 –dimethylene 1,2, 5 –triamine. The structure was elucidated using NMR spectroscopy in combination with IR and MS spectral data. Antibacterial studies showed that the isolated compound successfully inhibited Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis. This result authenticates the use of the plant in phytomedicine for the treatment of infections and for prevention of diseases.