Isolation and Characterization of Antioxidative Constituents of Ceiba Pentandra (Kapok) Leaves Extract

Ceiba pentandra widely employed in the management of inflammatory conditions, infections and oxidative stress related diseases was investigated for its active constituents. A DPPH-directed fractionation of the ethyl acetate solvent fraction of a 20% aqueous methanol leaves extract of Ceiba pentandra afforded a clovamide derivative, N-trans-caffeoyl-DOPA-methyl ester (1) together with a flavonoid, acacetin-7-O-rutinoside, Linarin (2) and 3,4- dihydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid (3). Structure elucidation of the isolated compounds was carried out using spectroscopic techniques: mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS), 1D NMR ( 1 H, 13 C and DEPT) as well as 2D experiments (GCOSY, GHSQC and GHMBC). In the qualitative antioxidant assay, compounds 1- 3 bleached the DPPH purple colour indicating free radical scavenging potential (antioxidant activity). Isolation of these antioxidant compounds could provide rationale for the use of this plant in traditional medicine in the management of the oxidative stress related diseases and  infections. Keywords : Ceiba Pentandra , Bombacaceae, Clovamide, Antioxidant