Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Studies of Smilax domingensis Willd. in Cuba

Abstract

A preliminary pharmacognostical and phytochemical evaluation of Smilax domingensis Willd., (Smilacaceae) was realized to determine the macromorphology and micromorphology characteristics, the physicochemical and phytochemical parameters from the rhizome of this spice that grows in Cuba. This crude drug showed the characteristic physicochemical values such as moisture content (13.11%), extractable matter in ethanol at 70% (13.53%), total ashes (3.45%), water soluble ashes (2.43%) and acid insoluble ashes (0.64%). Phytochemical screening revealed the possible presence of alkaloids, oils and/or fats, coumarins, saponins, flavonoids, pyrogallol-type tannins, quinones, catechins, reductants sugars, triterpens and steroids and absence of resins, aminoacids, cardiotonic glycosides, anthocyanidins and astringent and/or bitter principles, realized under WHO parameters.