Quantification of bioactive compounds in selected medicinal plants of Dakshina Kannada district

Abstract

Introduction: Medicinal plants have been the main stay of traditional herbal medicine amongst rural dwellers worldwide since antiquity to date. The present study was conducted to quantify the bioactive compounds present in leaf methanol extract of selected medicinal plants. Methods: Primary and secondary metabolites like carbohydrate, protein, fat, L-ascorbic acid, phenolic, alkaloids, flavonoid, tannin and saponin content was determined by following standard procedures. Results: C. papaya showed highest protein (884.2±0.1 µg/ml), fat (8.616±0.104 %), ascorbic acid (162.96±0.05 mg/g), phenolic (255.82±0.01 mg/g) and tannin (32.46±0.408 mg/g) content. K. pinnata showed high amount of carbohydrate (45.13±0.11 mg/100ml) and saponin (99.67±0.323 %) content. A. ficoidea showed high alkaloid (12.11±0.01 mg/g) content and E. perfoliatum showed highest flavonoid (222.46±0.202 mg/g) content. Conclusion: The bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids and tannins which will contribute to the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of these plants. They also play important role in the growth and development, including protection from predators and environmental stress.