3.2. Identification of the active anti-ulcerogenic agent in banana
Chromatographic analysis of the aqueous extract of plantain banana pulp consistently revealed the presence of three compounds. One component was tentatively identified as leucocyanidin as it exhibited the same RF value as the leucocyanidin standard (RF value between 0.5–0.65) in all the solvent systems employed and exhibited colour reactions characteristic of this flavonoid. A second moderately strong (when developed) colourless spot turned pink in hydrochloric acid vapour suggesting that it was also a leucoanthocyanidin which we tentatively identified as leucodelphinidin. It was not possible to identify the third compound.