Phytochemical screening for secondary metabolites of Opuntia dillenii Haw

Abstract

Opuntia dillenii a wild xerophyte is abundant in Himalayas, believed to be of American origin and a native of India. Traditionally, the plant is used in the treatment of inflammation, hypoglycaemic, stomach ulceration, Neuro-protection through antioxidant action, viral disease, diabetes, burns, bronchial, asthma and digestive problems throughout the world. Phytochemistry study was undertaken in cladodes and fruits and revealed the presence of Phenols, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Saponins in cladode and Phenols, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Terpeonids Steroids, Saponins in fruit. Phenols content (6.8%) was found maximum followed by Alkaloids (5.4%), Flavonoids (3.5%) and Saponins (1.05%) in cladode. Similarly, in the fruit, Phenols were maximum (5.4%) followed by Alkaloids (4.38%), Flavonoids (2.22%), Saponins (0.75%), and Terpenoids (0.8%). Steroids were detected in fruit.