Phytochemical Investigation and Determination of Total Phenols and Flavonoid Concentration in Leaves Extract of Vitex trifolia Linn

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 etc. The increasing interest in powerful biological activity of secondary metabolites outlined the necessity of determining their contents in medicinal plants. Vitex trifolia L. (V. trifolia, syn. Vitex rotundifolia), a member of the family Verbenaceae, is known to produce a variety of diterpenoids and iridoids that display antioxidant, tracheospasmolytic, cytotoxic and trypanosidal activities. The plant species is a deciduous shrub native to Southeast Asia, Micronesia, Australia and East Africa. This plant can be commonly found along the banks of water bodies like canals, rivers and ponds and hence locally known as “Neer Nochi” (“Neer” means water). The leaves of V. trifolia are consumed to improve memory, relieve pain, remove bad taste in mouth and cure fever. The leaf extract is anti-cancerous while fruits are good for amenorrhea. The aim of the present study is to examine leaf of V. trifolia 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 V. trifolia is a rich source of secondary phytoconstituents which impart significant antioxidant potential. The findings of the present study will be helpful to phytochemists, pharmacologists and pharmaceutical industries.

Keywords: Vitex trifolia, Verbenaceae, Phytochemical, Folins ciocalteau reagent