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  Phytochemical Documentation:  
     
  We wish to identify the chemicals in the plant that are known to have specific pharmacological and biological activities. These chemicals give us the first hints that explain the plant’s mechanisms and help to separate plants used in medico-magical contexts from those used in purely medicinal contexts.  
     
  The first step is the establishment of a thin-layer chromatography. It gives us an insight into the major chemical components of a plant. A more detailed screening is planned for a further stage of this study and will be based on the outcome of this reference.  
     
     
  Setup:  
     
  drying of plantsCollection & drying of plants known to be used for medicinal purpose  
     
 
 
     
  shippingShipping of samples to Kinshasa  
     
 
 
     
 

plant processingPlant-processing: grinding & extraction of samples in the laboratory

  • Extraction = 1g powder of the drug are extracted with 5ml methanol for 15min in a water bath. The filtrate is used as solution for analysis.
 
   
 
 
     
 

DC analysesLC analyses of extracts

 
     
     
 
 
     
 

chromatogramResults:

Chromatograms serve as fingerprints for future reference of the particular plant species. They are added to the monographies in preparation. Despite morphological homogeneity within a species, however, we can observe phytochemical variation across different individuals. Variation may be due to the genotype of the individual plant or be influenced by factors such as habitat type, soil, neighbourhood, time of day, age, or reproductive status. People consider the plant’s location when choosing herbal parts. Knowledge of the “cryptic diversity” of the Congolese Flora is needed in order to evaluate the potential of these plants as genetical or pharmacological natural resources. It needs to be incorporated in conservation plans that are a necessary and overdue task.