Abstract:
A substantive study on the identification of phenolic compounds present in Prosopis juliflora was
undertaken. P. juliflora is known to be highly adapted to dry lands because of its deep taproots which tolerate dry
and waterlogged soils. However, because of its invasive nature, it has spread to undesirable areas like sea shores,
arable lands and roads becoming a great menace. Towards its valorization, this study aimed at identifying the
various phenolic compounds present in it. Plant samples were collected from three different geographical areas in
Kenya; Baringo, Garissa and Turkana Counties. Its acetonic extracts were thereafter analyzed using a reversed-
phase liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization – tandem mass spectrometry. Identification
of the compounds present was achieved by comparison of experimental retention times and UV-MS spectra
to bibliographic data and standard compounds. Twenty chemical compounds were tentatively identified out of
which fifteen were found either as flavonoid aglycones or some of their glycosylated forms. For the first time,
a new compound believed to be a B-type proanthocyanidin of mesquitol was identified based on the MS/MS
diagnostic ions that resulted from retro-Diels-alder reaction, quinone methide cleavage and heterocyclic ring
fission. The results illustrate a rich array of phenolic compounds present in P. juliflora