Article: COMPARATIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF TWO VALUABLE MEDICINAL PLANTS OF FAMILY APOCYNACEAE (CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS (L.) G.DON. AND ALSTONIA SCHOLARIS (L.) R.BR.)

Article Category: Original Research articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.120243

Pages: 42-45

Author: Srushti Prajna Mohanty, Bhaswatimayee Mahakur, Debasis Mitra, Susant Kumar Rout and Durga Prasad Barik *

Abstract: Medicinal plants are the significant sources of bioactive compounds worldwide. This study is aimed at qualitative phytochemical screening of leaves constituents of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. and Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. This analysis of both extracts of plant leaves was done using different solvents such as water, methanol and ethanol using standard methods. The presence of alkaloids, steroids, phenolic compounds, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, iridoids, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and vitamins were examined in qualitative study of Catharanthus roseus and Alstonia scholaris. Only ethanol extract contains flavonoids. Steroids are found exclusively in aqueous extracts. This screening gave negative results for the presence of anthraquinones in all the extracts of both the leaves tested. The aqueous extract contains a substantially higher number of phytochemicals in both the leaves’constituents. Extensive study and research on the phytochemical analysis of the plant Catharanthus roseus and Alstonia scholaris will provide wide range information for scientists and researchers regarding apocynaceae family. This can be used to develop new therapies for society's health.

Keyword: Alstonia scholaris, Catharanthus roseus, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, Medicinal plant, Leaf extracts, Phytochemicals