Physicochemical and phytochemical investigation on medicinal plants used by ethnic tribes of Nilgiri Mountains, South India

Abstract

Medicinal plants Mahonia leschenaultii, Berberis tinctoria, Vaccinium leschenaultii, Rubus ellipticus and Passiflora mollissima used to treat various ailments by ethnic tribes of Nilgiris was subjected to physiochemical, phytochemical screening and class of compounds quantification. Methanol followed by ethanol proved to be highly effective for sequential extractive value for all the plants. The fluorescence analysis of the powder showed the presence of fluorescent compounds when examined under day light and UV light. Ash values of total ash, acid-insoluble ash and water-soluble ash were observed and determined. Phytochemical screening of thirty six extracts of various solvent showed the existence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, phenols, quinones, saponins, flavonoids, flavones, glycosides, carbohydrates, terpines, triterpens and proteins. Further quantification of alkaloid, phenol, flavonoid, tannin and saponin content was determined. Versatile data produced by this investigation may be useful in probing of biochemistry and bioactive principles and subsequently may lead to the drug discovery and development of these plants in the future.