Intra-specific variation of bioactive principles in select members of the genus Clerodendrum L.

Augustian Rajam Florence, Jose

Abstract

To explore the phytoconstituents present in the leaves of various species of the genus Clerodendrum. Aqueous, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol and acetone extracts were prepared by adding 50 g of dried leaf powder with 200 ml of these solvents, the constituents were shaken at room temperature for 24 hours. After incubation, the extracts were filtered using Whatman No.1 filter paper, collected and stored at 40C until further use. Preliminary phytochemcial screening was performed using the standard methods given by Harborne. The various leaf extract of the genus Clerodendrum showed the presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, coumarins, glycosides, flavonoids, phytosterols, proteins, quinones, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids. The solvents used for extraction may be responsible for the presence or absence of the phytoconstituents. The findings of the present study recommended that the leaves of the genus Clerodendrum have potential bioactive agents that may be of use for developing plant based drugs.