Identification and isolation of compounds from Sutherlandia frutescens

Abstract

Plants constitute the basic food chain and provide the most valuable source of natural nutrients; in addition, constituents of medicinal importance are also present in plants. For drug discovery and other purposes, we must characterise the active plant compounds and study their chemical structures and basic properties. Sutherlandia frutescens is one of the best-known, multi-purpose medicinal plants. Its therapeutic properties are based on its ability to help the human body to mobilise its own immunological and physiological resources to help combat diseases and physical and mental stress.