Session: Undergraduate Research Posters: Medicinal Chemistry:

Plectrantus ambionicus (Coelus ambionicus) of the family Lamiacaea is a semi-succulent plant, with a pungent oregano-like flavor and odor. This plant grows in Southern and Eastern part of Africa where the local villagers have used it as an herb, a pain reliever, and a food additive. Some studies have shown that these plants have anti-inflammatory properties, however most of other properties are not well known. The purpose of this study was to determine the medicinal properties of the plant. This was done by grinding the stems and leaves of the plant and dissolving in methanol to remove all the polar solvents. and then dissolve in hexane to remove both chlorophyll and remove the non-polar solvents. The plant was then purified by flash chromatography and thin-layer chromatography to obtain active fractions that inhibit both Pythium ultimum and bacteria. These fractions were determined to have antibacterial, anti-toxicants, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-fungal properties.

Angela Hoffman

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