Phytochemical analysis and evaluation of haemolytic potential of methanolic extracts of root of Chrysopogon zizanioides and rhizome of Acorus calamus

Abstract

Many plants and plant-derived products have been used in the preparation of traditional medicine to prevent and treat various diseases. Even though medicinal plants are rich sources of bioactive compounds, analysis of their composition is a prerequisite along with an evaluation of their cytotoxicity. The haemolytic test determines the ability of any compound to destroy red blood cells, leading to the release of haemoglobin. Plants Chrysopogon zizanioides and Acorus calamus have been reported to exhibit several medicinal properties. Hence this study was designed to elucidate the medicinal plant extracts by phytochemical analysis and to evaluate the haemolytic potential of methanolic extracts of the root of Chrysopogon zizanioides and rhizome of Acorus calamus, towards the human erythrocytes, using spectrophotometer. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, steroids and carbohydrates in the crude extract of both plants. From the results of this study, it is clear that the percentage of haemolysis increases with an increase in the concentration of crude extract of the root of Chrysopogon zizanioides and rhizome of Acorus calamus treatments. However, in both the treated groups, the haemolysis percentage was very less; indicating that these extracts are safe for human erythrocytes.