Characterization of Bio-active Compounds Essential for Blood Coagulation in the Crude Extracts of Tradescantia zebrina, Tagetes minuta and Codiaeum variegatum Leaves

Abstract

Aims: Many commercial drugs used for blood clotting are expensive and have associated side-effects.  The extracts of Tagetes minuta, Codieum variegatum and Tradescantia zebrine are used for blood clotting. These extracts are highly efficient and have no known side-effects. This study aimed at characterizing crude extracts of these plant species used to accelerate blood clotting. Study Design: An independent measures experimental design was used in the study. Place and duration of study: The research was conducted between 21st September, 2018 and 21st May, 2019. The study was conducted in Maasai mara university, Kenya and Multimedia university of Kenya. Methodology: Extracts of these herbs were obtained and analyzed for absorption bands, functional groups, bio-metal concentrations, physical-chemical parameters, phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity. Test for blood clotting factors (calcium and vitamin K) was also conducted. Results: All extracts had common functional group peaks at 2800-3500 cm-1 (carboxylic OH), 1680 cm-1 (carbonyl), and 1035cm-1 (C-Ostretch). The extracts had an average pH of 6.59 0.702 and conductivity of 0.58 0.079mS. The average solubility in distilled water was 16.67 1.534 g/100 ml water at 37°C. The extracts were found to be abundant in iron, copper and phytochemicals. All extracts portrayed moderate inhibition to E. coli bacteria and C. albicans fungi but mild inhibition towards S. aureus bacteria. The extracts had trace amounts of Vitamin K and moderate amounts of calcium.