Screening of traditional medicinal plants for secondary metabolites

Abstract

Traditional medicines are prepared from a single plant or combination of more than one plant. Phytochemical constituents are responsible for medicinal activity of plant species. Hence in the present study phytochemical screening of some traditional medicinal plants was carried out. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of these plants confirm the presence of various secondary metabolites like saponins, triterpenoids, steroids, anthraquinons, coumarins, fatty acids, tannins, lignins, leucoanthocyanins, emodins, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids and phenols. The results suggest that the phytochemical properties for curing various ailments and possess potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and leads to the isolation of new and novel compounds.