Determination of phytochemicals by GC-MS in methanol extract of Elephantopus scaber L.

Abstract

Medicinal plants constitute a natural reservoir for drugs; have been found to be useful in the treatment of various diseases. Elephantopus scaber Linn is a scabrescent aromatic herb, in which roots were used as an antipyretic, cardiotonic, dysuria, diarrhoea, dysentery, stomach pain and diuretic. The leaf extract had already been evaluated for diuretic, anti inflammatory hepato protective effect and used for the treatment of eczema and ulcers. Here qualitative phytochemical estimation of Elephantopus scaber was carried out for active ingredients. Preliminary phytochemical study revealed that extracts of E. scaber contains alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, reducing sugars, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, volatile oils, carbohydrates, and lactones. Phytochemical estimation of bioactive components in methanolic extract of E. Scaber was done by GC-MS analysis. Further studies are needed to isolate active principle of the extract as well as to elucidate their exact mechanism of action in various disorders.