Physicochemical standardization, phytochemical screening, TLC profiling and GC-MS study of Buddleja asiatica

Abstract

Background

Buddleja asiatica is a deciduous shrub traditionally used as an antipyretic, antimalarial and abortifacient.  The present study was designed to perform physicochemical standardization and to examine the presence of various phytoconstituents by phytochemical screening and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy method.

Methods

Evaluation of organoleptic characters and physicochemical parameters were carried out according to WHO guidelines. Various extracts (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol) were subjected to standard phytochemical screening methods. Different phytoconstituents in the extracts were analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Further, gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) study of ethanol extract was performed in Scion 436-GC Bruker instrument.

Results

The values of standardization parameters were found to be 19.25 ± 0.33% w/w, 07.36 ± 0.07 % w/w, 03.35 ± 0.06 % w/w,25.75±1.13% w/w and 01.85± 1.12 % w/w for loss on drying, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble extractive and swellin g index respectively. In phytochemical screening, petroleum ether extract revealed the presence of saponins, steroids and terpenoids whereas  chloroform extract  confirmed  the  presence  of alkaloids  and  saponins.  Ethylacetate  extract  proved  the  presence  of glycosides, phenolic compounds, tannins and steroids. Further, major constituents like glycosides, phenols, tannins, steroids, saponins, tannins flavonoids, carbohydrates and proteins were present in methanol extract. TLC analysis confirmed the presence of steroids in ethyl acetate extract and terpenoids & flavonoids in methanol extract. GC-MS analysis exhibited the presence of main constituents such as carbohydrates (myoinositol-4-c-methyl), terpenoids(6-epi-shyobunol), fatty acid (dibutyl phthalate) and steroids (stigmasterol) in ethanol extract.

Conclusion

The results of standardization parameters ensure quality and purity of Buddleja asiatica crude drug.  Phytochemical, TLC and GC- MS studies indicate the presence of significant constituents like steroids, terpenoids and flavonoids in different extracts. Further experimental designs to isolate active constituents and examine their pharmacological aspects are highly recommended.