Primary phytochemical investigation of Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Puruski

Abstract

Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski., commonly referred as Wdelia trilobata has been used as traditional folk medicinal plant for the treatment of various ailments. A study is designed to explore the preliminary phytochemical analysis of Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski., which is responsible for its pharmacological properties. Qualitative phytochemical screening of Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski., was studied. Four solvents viz; ethanol, petroleum ether, chloroform and distilled water were used to obtain extracts from powdered leaves, stem and roots. The extracts were subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening using standard procedures. From the results, it was observed that of the thirteen phytochemicals screened, ten were found present in various solvent extracts. They are alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, glycosides, tannins, proteins, aminoacids and carbohydrates. In all, more phytochemicals were found present in extract prepared with ethanol. Remarkably, quinones, phlobatannins and oxalates were absent in all extracts from different parts of the plant. Phytochemicals found present in the Sphagneticola trilobata (L) Puruski. indicates its ability as a source of principles that may supply novel medicines.