Pharmacognostic evaluation and phytochemical analysis of leaf and tuber of Ariopsis peltata Nimmo.

Abstract

Ariopsis peltata Nimmo. (Araceae) is a tuberous, perennial herb distributed along the Western Ghats. In the present study, an attempt was made to evaluate pharmacological and preliminary phytochemical screening of different extracts of plant. The phytochemical analysis and TLC profiling was carried out and perceived the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, fats and oils, proteins, amino acid, steroids, glycosides and phenolic compounds. Powder microscopic analysis have shown the presence of starch grains, epidermal cells, libri form fiber, cluster and needle shaped crystal, pitted parenchyma and xylem elements such as reticulate and spiral vessels. TLC profiling of plant extract shown different fluorescent phytochemical compounds with different Rf values of which 0.82 and 0.80 were clear spots observed in solvent combination of hexane: ethyl acetate (6:4) for leaf extract. However, the phytochemical compounds which are responsible for biological activity recorded from present investigation may possibly give a potent plant based natural drug.