Comparative Phytochemical Screening and Estimation of Bioactive Constituents of Leaves of Lagerstroemia parviflora, Gardenia latifolia and Terminalia tomentosa

Abstract

Medicinal plants have bioactive compounds which are used for curing of various human diseases and also play an important role in healing. Secondary constituents contain alkaloids, flavonoids, phenol, saponin, steroids and tannins. Medicinal plants have anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antidiuretic and anti-inflammation activities. The increasing interest in powerful biological activity of secondary metabolites outlined the necessity of determining their contents in medicinal plants.  Gardenia latifolia (G. latifolia Rubiaceae) is commonly known as Indian boxwood or Ceylon boxwood, is a densely foliaceous small tree that occurs throughout the greater parts of Indian common in deciduous forests along the streams. The stem bark and fruits are reported to be used in the treatment of various ailments such as snake bite, skin diseases, stomach pains, caries in humans and ephemeral fever in live stocks. Terminalia tomentosa (T. tomentosa Combretaceae) occurs frequently in Indonesia, Malaysia, China and India as wasteland weed and also found in most parts of the world with a warm climate in dry, sandy and alkaline soils.  The powdered leaves are useful for fast healing of wounds, as purgative, to treat liver problems, to promote sexual health, to relieve stomach ache, headache, also applied in sprain to ease swelling and pain. In Indian Ayurvedic system, Lagerstroemia parviflora (L. parviflora, Lythraceae) are well-known plants used for major and minor ailments. The aim of the present study is to examine leaf of G. latifolia, T. tomentosa and L. parviflora for phytochemical profile. Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents and quantitative analysis of total phenolics and flavonoids were determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. Quantitative analysis of phenolic and flavonoids was carried out by Folins Ciocalteau reagent method and aluminium chloride method respectively. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, fixed oil and fats. The present study concluded that the crude extract of G. latifolia, T. tomentosa and L. parviflora is a rich source of secondary phytoconstituents which impart significant antioxidant potential. T