Phytochemical Screening of Linlinna-aw (Peperomiapellucida Linn.) and its Analgesic, Diuretic and Anti-Hypertensive Properties

Abstract

This study was conducted to perform phytochemical screening, analgesic, diuretic and anti-hypertensive testing on a local indigenous plant located in damp places commonly known as "Linlinna-aw" and scientifically known as Peperomia pellucida Linn. Specifically, this experimental investigation determined the chemical substances present in both the stems and leaves and tried to determine the pharmacological effects of the plant in terms of analgesic, diuretic and anti-hypertensive effects of the ethanol extracts (screened substances of"linlinna-aw"). This study made use of the experimental research design in an actual laboratory set-up. There were three phases in the experimental process. Phase I included the Air Drying and Extraction process using the Rotavap apparatus, Phase II was the Phytochemical Screening using Mayer's Testfor alkaloids, Fehling's test for glycosides, Gelatin Testfortannins, Froth Test for Saponins, Color Test for flavonoids and Liebermann-Burchard Testsfor triterpenes and sterols. Phase III included the Pharmacological Testing in terms of Analgesic, Diuretic and Antihypertensive Properties. In the pharmacological testing, 50 Swiss mice were used as test animals in Analgesia while six human beings were used in Diuretic and Antihypertensive properties of theplant. Findings showed that "Linlinna-aw" contains the following chemical substances like alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, sterols and flavonoids in both the stems and leaves. Triterpenes werefound to be absent in both the stems and leaves. There were pharmacological effects of the ethanol extracts (screened substances) using male Swiss mice as test animals. Under the conditions of this test, the ethanol extract of "Linlinnaaw" (Peperomia pellucida Linn) showed that it had an analgesic activity when administered orally to male Swiss mice; itproduced 23.81%, 42.86% and 71.43% protection against writhing at 500, 1,000 and 1,500 mg/kg respectively. "Linlinna-aw" (Peperomia pellucida Linn.) had diuretic and antihypertensive properties. After the intake often "Linlinna-aw "plants, 3 times a day for 5-I0 days, patients were relieved from urinary pain and their blood pressure was normalized. Based on the conclusions, the researcher recommends a follow-up study to be conducted to quantify, isolate and identify the type ofalkaloids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, sterols andflavonoids present in the stems and leaves of "Linlinna-aw" (Peperomia pellucida Linn). Further studies on its pharmacological tests such as anti-tumor, anti-septic, antihemorrhagic propertiesetc. are highly recommended.