Potential use of Leucaena leucocephala Lam (leucaena) present in agroforestry systems of Pinar del Río

Abstract

The present work was developed at the University of Pinar del Rio "Hermanos Saíz Montes de Oca" during the months of January to March 2018, with the objective of determining the presence or not of secondary metabolites in the foliage and bark of Leucaena leucocephalawith potential use in agroecosystems. The plant samples were taken in an agroecosystem of Pinar del Rio and then transferred to the chemistry laboratory of the university where they were processed. The working method used for the determination of the secondary metabolites was photochemical screening where a successive extraction with solvents of increasing polarity was performed, obtaining the extracts. After the screening was done it was possible to infer that in the foliage and bark of this species there is the presence of substances such as flavonoids, alkaloids, reducing carbohydrates, tannins which proves the potential use of this plant for animal nutrition and health.

Keywords

• follaje y corteza
• leucaena leucocephala
• metabolitos secundarios
• extractos.