Preliminary phytochemical studies in the leaf, stem and root extracts of the traditional medicinal plant species, Thalictrum javanicum Blume

The leaf, stem and root parts of the traditional medicinal plant species, Thalictrum javanicum are effectively used against the disorder haematuria and the roots are prescribed as diuretic, purgative and tonic by the local healers of high hills of Nilgiris, the Western Ghats, India. Little works on the analysis of certain secondary metabolites of antioxidant properties have only been made in this species. Hence, the present study was aimed at determining the available major secondary metabolites in the study species, T. javanicum by preliminary analysis including TLC. The results of the study show the presence of many major secondary metabolites viz., tannins, saponins, resins, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides and triterpenoids in all the three plant parts studied. A comparison of extracts prepared with petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water showed that the methanol extract contained a greater number of secondary metabolites than the other extracts. The mobile phases for the separation of various secondary metabolites were also standardized. The presence of different varieties of secondary metabolites of medicinal importance helps to rationalize the use of T. javanicum for therapeutic purposes by local healers of high hills of Nilgiris.

Ruhuna Journal of Science Vol.5 2014; 7-15