Phytochemical screening of extracts obtained from the Sapindus saponaria L plant that grows in Cuba

Abstract

Medicinal plants are considered an essential source of biologically active components, which can be used in the treatment of different diseases. In particular, the medicinal potential of the genus Sapindus L. has been studied by authors from various countries, and within this genus, the species Sapindus saponaria L has been applied in the treatment of various diseases. For the S. saponaria L species, 32 uses and 14 proven biological effects refer. Among the most referenced biological effects are acaricide, antihemorrhagic, anti-protozoan, antiulcer, cytotoxic, molluscicide, and nematicide. Besides, the pericarp of the fruit is the most used part, although the leaves, branches, bark, and seeds have also been used. The main biological effects are related to the high content of saponins and flavonoids in the extracts obtained from different parts of the plant. The objective of this work is to determine the main components of the Sapindus saponaria L plant that grows in Cuba, employing phytochemical screening of the different parts of the plant. For this, an experimental run was carried out with alcoholic and aqueous extractions of the fruit pericarp, the stem bark, and leaves of the plant. The results of the screening in both extractions and component analysis revealed that the rind of the fruit and leaves are rich in flavonoids while the pericarp of the fruit has a high content of saponins. The composition of Sapindus saponaria L that grows in Cuba is similar to the composition of S. Saponaria that grow in other regions of Latin America.