Phytochemical analysis of methanolic extracts of Elymus repens, Typha angustifolia and Caralluma edulis

Abstract

Introduction: Medicinal plants have been the source of medicine to all civilizations for hundreds of years. In classical medicine, Elymus repens (Poaceae) is consumed as a diuretic, emollient and tonic. It also soothes the pain and spasm in the urinary tract as well as treats the condition of urolithiasis (formation of kidney stones) and urinary tract infections (UTI). In Chinese folk medicine, T. angustifolia is employed to improve the microcirculation, improve body’s defense mechanism, activate contractions of uterus, heal atherosclerosis, treat wounds and promote the differentiation and trigger the division of keratinocytes in humans. The traditional healers recommend C. edulis to cure hypertension, rheumatism, leprosy, diabetes, infections, gastric issues and Alzheimer disease. Objectives: This study was aimed to investigate different phytochemical constituents in methanolic extracts of E. repens (plant body and roots), T. angustifolia (stem and fruiting body) and C. edulis. Methodology: Phytochemical potentials of methanolic extracts of plants were investigated using standard procedures. Results: Phytochemical analysis of E. repens crude methanol extract confirmed the existence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids and anthraquinones. However, phenols were absent in methanol extract of roots. T. angustifolia stem contained anthraquinones. Tannins, saponins, phenols and flavonoids were absent from T. angustifolia stem. C. edulis contains saponins, tannins, flavonoids and anthraquinones except phenols. Conclusion: Results of this study shows that E. repens, T. angustifolia and C. edulis are enriched with different phytochemical constituents hence validating their uses for the treatment of various diseases.