Spectroscopic Studies of the Main Flavonoid in Camellia sinensis Leaves

Abstract

The leaves of Camellia sinensis were extracted with 95% ethanol at room temperature. Phytochemical screening (qualitative tests) of the alcoholic extract of the leaves of Camellia sinensis revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, tannins, and absence of glycosides. The main flavonoid of Camellia sinensis was investigated due to its medicinal value and relative abundance in this plant species. The main flavonoid was isolated and purified by thin – layer chromatography (TLC) on silica gel using the solvent system chloroform: methanol 3:2 (v:v) from the ethanolic extract , where one flavonoid was obtained in the pure state. The behavior of this isolate under the UV light and its colour reactions indicates that it is a dihydroflavonol. The flavonoid was subjected to spectral studies, and the following partial structure was proposed on the basis of its IR, UV-Vis spectra: