Lupeol, isolated in therapeutic Quantities from Launeae taraxacifolia: A Neglected Vegetable, exerts Monoamine Oxidase A & B Inhibition and Antioxidant Activity

Lupeol [lup-20 (29)-en-2-ol] was isolated mainly from the polar and non-polar part of the stem and leaves of Launeae taraxacifolia . This study investigated one of Nigeria neglected vegetables i.e. L. taraxacifolia as a potential source for functional food. It was extracted from L. taraxacifolia plant by maceration with MeOH at 35◦C, followed by a purification in R-phase silica column chromagraphy using H 2 O: MeOH as the mobile phase. The structure of lupeol was identified using combined spectroscopic techniques i.e. FTIR, UV-visible, NMR and comparing with the literature. The leaves and stem of L. taraxacifolia were discovered to be an abundant source of lupeol (45 mg). The presence of topically beneficial quantities of lupeol in L. taraxacifolia gives nutritional rationale why it should not be neglected. Furthermore, its cultivation could be employed as a source for lupeol or be developed as a nutraceutical without been harmful to wild populations. MAO A and B inhibition and antioxidant activity of the compound was carried out. Keywords; Lupeol; L. taraxacifolia ; MAO Aand B; antioxidant; Neglected Vegetables