PHARMACOGNOSTICAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL AND HEAVY METAL STUDIES ON AN ETHNO MEDICINAL PLANT-CORALLOCARPUS EPIGAEUS (ROTTL. &WILD.) CLARKE

Abstract

Leaf, stem and tuber powder of Corallocarpus epigaeus were investigated for its pharmacognostical, phytochemical and heavy metal properties. Analytical value (loss on drying, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash), solubility percentage, fluorescent analysis, extractive value using different solvents (petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, acetone, ethanol, methanol and water), qualitative phytochemical analysis for detection of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, proteins, amino acids, saponins and terpenoids. HPTLC studies of glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and heavy metal analysis for the accumulation of lead, copper and cadmium were studied. Analytical value, extractive value and solubility percentage exhibited marked difference between the leaf, stem and tuber powder of C. epigeaus. Fluorescent analysis does not differ among the selected plant parts under normal and UV light. Qualitative analysis of acetone and water extracts revealed the presence of secondary metabolites like alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, phenol, fats and fatty acids. HPTLC studies also confirmed the presence of glycosides, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Heavy metals present in the plant parts are lower than the permissible level.