Abstract
This study describes the synthesis, spectra characterization using UV-Visible and Infra-Red spectroscopic methods, flavonoid profile, antioxidant activity and antifungal property of Senecio biafrae-Cu complex and Senecio biafrae. UV-Visible spectra revealed bathochromic shifts for Senecio biafrae-Cu complex in comparison with Senecio biafrae which could be due to complexation. Differences between vibration spectra of Senecio biafrae-Cu complex and Senecio biafrae showed that carbonyl oxygen and hydroxyl groups were involved in complexation because of shifts in their positions. Kaempferol; a flavonol was found to be most abundant identified in both Senecio biafrae and its complex. Senecio biafrae-Cu complex had better antioxidant and antifungal activities against free radicals and pathogenic Fusarium oxysporium, Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium solani than Senecio biafrae. This study has shown that natural vegetables such as S. biafrae can also be used for complexation.
Key words: Senecio biafrae, flavonoid composition, antifungal property, inhibition, copper complex.
