Investigation of phytochemicals & estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid content of myxopyrum smilacifolium (wall.) blume leaves

Abstract

Myxopyrum smilacifolium (Wall.) Blume is a large woody climbing shrub belonging to the family Oleaceae. It is used in the treatment of cough, asthma, neuropathy, rheumatism, cephalalgia and otopathy. The main objective of the study is to investigate the presence of various phytochemicals and estimate the total phenolic and flavonoid content in various fraction of Myxopyrum smilacifolium (Wall.) Blume leaves. The crude ethanol extract was subjected to fractionation using Petroleum ether, Chloroform and Ethyl acetate based on their polarity. The fractions were subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis for the detection of various phytoconstituents. The total phenolic and flavonoid content in different fractions were estimated by Folin-Ciocalteau method and Aluminium chloride colorimetric assay respectively. The qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids and phenolics. Ethanol residue and petroleum ether fraction of M.  smilacifolium was found to  be rich in phenolics and flavonoids respectively.