Phytochemical analysis with special reference to leaf saponins in Gnidia glauca (fresen.) gilg.

Abstract

Gnidia glauca (Fresen.) Gilg. belongs to Thymelaeaceae family and has been found to possess a variety of traditional phytomedicinal and agrochemical applications. The leaves of G. glauca are a rich source of phytochemicals like alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, saponins, terpenoids, and steroids. Among these phytochemicals, saponins were extracted into 80% methanol. G. glauca leaf saponin fraction isolate has been subjected for qualitative analysis by hemolytic assay and quantitative analysis by conventional chromatography like TLC and spectroscopy methods. Results confirm that G. glauca leaf saponin fraction isolate contains triterpenoid saponins. Further characterization has been carried out by RP-HPLC, LC/MS-ESI, and FTIR. Results suggest that G. glauca leaf saponin fraction contains triterpenoid saponins that belong to basic skeletons of oleanane and ursane types of triterpenoid saponins. The investigations provided in the present chapter provide a comprehensive account of knowledge regarding phytochemical analysis of saponins present in G. glauca leaves.