Elephantopus Scaber Linn. - Phytochemical Evaluation

Abstract

Anachuvadi (Elephantopus scaber Linn.) is a perennial herb which was used to treat various conditions  such as wounds, headache, insomnia, skin diseases, conjunctivitis, and mouth ulcer by the Ayurvedic  physicians of Kerala. Horthus malabaricus by Van Rheede describes its use in mental disorders especially  depression. In order to validate the traditional claim the preliminary phytochemical analysis of the drug  was carried out. The preliminary phytochemical analysis aims at analysing the physiochemical property  of drugs, their qualitative analysis, ash values, extractive values, moisture and volatile contents, estimation  of Tannins and Phenols. On analysing the phytochemical constituents present in the crude drug, the drug  revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, proteins, phenols, steroids, and  tannins. These phyto-constituents present in the drug may be responsible for the therapeutic potential of  the drug. Apart from the findings of previous research works, qualitative analysis of ash was conducted  to check the presence of acid and basic radicles. Extractive values were determined for Successive solvent  extraction of choorna (powder) of whole plant in solvents like petroleum ether, cyclohexane, acetone and  alcohol. These findings will help to ensure the genuineness, quality and purity of the drug.