Rapid Structural Characterization of Plant Extracts – a FT-IR study

The invention of Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FT-IR) has revolutionized the natural product chemistry research. It not only detects very minute quantity of sample but also allows recovery of the sample. The fraction upon extraction followed by chromatographic purification or in a semi purified state can be subjected to IR spectrum analysis for construal of function groups or quality assurance fingerprints. Most of these instrumental analysis are high cost oriented and beyond the extend of most Indian students for multiple shots of a single samples in case of research need demands, despite that FT-IR could facilitate out compounds asserting the biotic activity of the fraction. In this review paper an attempt has been made to illustrate the assisting IR spectra of purified compounds and their predictive chemical constituents of two aquatic macrophytes viz; Vallisneria spiralis (Hydrocharitaceae) and Ipomoea aquatic (convolvulaceae). Briefing about the plants Vallisneria spiralis L. is a common submerged rooted macrophytes found in many wetlands, shallow ponds, lakes, marshes and streams of West Bengal. It is an invasive colonizer and of immense significance to maintaining an aquarium. Ipomoea aquatica Forsk (Water Spinach) is a commonly consumed leafy vegetable. It usually grows in wild areas in wetlands and confined water bodies. Well known for dermal medical relevance and a source of antioxidants.