Phytochemical studies on Azolla pinnata R. Br., Marsilea minuta L. and Salvinia molesta Mitch

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the phytochemical properties of Azolla pinnata R. Br., Marsilea minuta L. and Salvinia molesta Mitch. Methods The dried and powered leaves materials (50 g) were extracted successively with 250 mL of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol, chloroform, acetone, benzene and water by using Soxhlet extractor for 8 h at a temperature not exceeding the boiling point of the solvent. Phytochemical screening of the extracts was carried out according to the standard methods. Results Out of eighteen tested extracts, eighteen extracts showed the presence of phenolics. Next to that, fourteen extracts were illustrated their existence of tannin. Ten extracts showed the occurrence of carbohydrates in the crude extracts of the selected plants. Steroid and saponin are present in eight extracts, next to that xanthoprotein is present in six extracts, followed by flavonoid and protein which are present in five extracts. Carboxylic acid showed its presence only in two extracts. Conclusions From the results, it can be concluded that the three plants extracts show the presence of many bioactive compounds after extensive investigation. We recommend further research on these plants to quantify the concentration of these compounds. Further work will accentuate the isolation and characterization of active principles responsible for bio-efficacy and bioactivity.