Phytochemical studies of leaves and roots (In vitro) of endemic orchid Arachnis senapatiana (Phukan & A. A. Mao) Kocyan & Schuiteman

Abstract

Plants and its derived products are backbone of traditional medicines around the world. The extracts of different orchid species have been used in curing different diseases. Arachnis senapatiana is an endemic orchid distributed in isolated places of Nagaland, Manipur and Darjeeling hills which is an accepted name of the most commonly known Armodorum senapatianum Phukan & A. A. Mao. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of phytochemicals in in vitro raised leaves and roots of this endemic orchid. Qualitative phytochemical tests were conducted for confirming the presence of carbohydrates, protein, glycosides, flavanoids, phenol and tannins, saponins, steroids and terpenoids. The present finding provided evidence that crude aqueous extracts of the tested plant material contain medicinally important bioactive compounds. Further work need to be carried out to isolate, purify, and characterize the active constituents responsible for the activity of these plants.