Phytochemical Screening of Talahib

Abstract

The determination of the medicinal values of some plants is due to the presence of some active substances, such as alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and anthraquinones. This substance can be found in specific parts of the plants as stem, roots, and leaves. If talahib (Saccharum spontaneum L.) is found to be positive of said substances, then talahib can be a possible source of drug.

The ethyl alcohol extracts of different parts of talahib were studied through the use of phytochemical analysis. The test for alkaloid was done using Mayer and Wagner reagents. Results showed that talahib extracts was positive in significant amount of precipitate. Flavonoids were determined through Bate-Smith and Metcalf test, which also gave a positive result. The test for tannin was determined through FeCh and protein binding test, which gave a negative result. Lbermann-Burchard and Froth tests were done to determine the presence of saponins, and the result was negative.

The result of the study showed that talahib grass contained phytochemical constituents, such as alkaloids and flavonoids.

Introduction

Talahib can be found almost everywhere. In the early days, talahib was believed to have a medicinal value. At present, it was found that the only given property of the grass is its active organism called azospirilirium, which is found in its roots.

Talahib is a coarse, erect, perennial grass with stout underground rootstock growing to a height of 1 meter (m) to 3.5 m. Leaves are harsh and linear, 0.5 m to 1 m long, 6 millimeters (mm) to 15 mm wide. Pannicles are white and erect, measuring 15 centimeters (cm) to 30 cm long, with slender and whorled branches.

Materials & Equipment




Selected References:

Phytochemical and Cytotoxic Screening of Radish Plant (Raphanus sativus Linn.). Unpublished. Central Luzon State University. Microsoft Encarta 2004, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Saponins.

Further clarification of the procedures and results should be directed to the researchers and adviser.

Researchers:
Neil Aries A. Bulanadi

Adviser:
Mrs. Racquel C. Diaz
Talavera National High School