A preliminary phytochemical analysis of “Jatiphala kosha” (pericarp of Myristica fragrans Houtt)
Mantri KO , Manojkumar N , Kuttan R
PhD. Scholar and Ex PG Scholar 1 , Professor and Guide 2 , 3Co-Guide, Ex. Research Director ,
1,2 Department of Dravyaguna
1 PDEA”s College of Ayurved and Research Centre, Nigdi, Pune, Maharashtra, India-411044
2 VPSV Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, Kerala, India-676501
3 Amala Cancer Research Centre, Thrissur, Kerala, India-680555
Corresponding Author: Mantri KO
E-mail: drkiranmantri@gmail.com
Submission: 04.07.2021 Acceptance: 10.08.2021 Publication: 31.08.2021
https://www.doi.org/10.63778/PDEASIJRAAS-ARJCPL/2021_47
Abstract:
Background and Objective: Jatiphala kosha (pericarp of nutmeg tree) is used traditionally (home remedy) as anti-diabetic. No study was undertaken to evaluate preliminary phytochemical analysis of “Jatiphala kosha” (pericarp of Myristica fragrans Houtt.) The aim of the present study was to perform a preliminary phytochemical analysis of “Jatiphala kosha” (pericarp of Myristica fragrans Houtt.).
Materials and Methods: Plant Material - Myristica fragrans Houtt. Pericarp was collected from the Herbal garden of Arya Vaidya Sala, Anoli, Kottakkal. The pericarp of nutmeg was cleaned and shade dried at room temperature. Dried pericarp was subjected to size reduction to a coarse powder by using a grinding machine. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of study drugs was performed as per standard protocol of phytochemical analysis using chemicals - Petroleum ether, Cyclohexane, etc., apparatus - Soxhlet apparatus, Dean and Stark‟s apparatus, etc. and TLC was performed.
Observations & Results: Moisture content of the shade dried drug determined by Dean and Stark appa- ratus was found to be 11%. Total Ash value of the drug was found to be 7.76%. Water insoluble ash mainly gives the percentage of organic matter present in the ash and this was found to be 1.69%. Acid insoluble ash, which mainly gives the percentage of the sand and impurities that remain insoluble in HCl, was found to be 0.15%. Fibre content of the drug was found to be 29.35. The largest percentage of extract was obtained by the extraction with acetone (14.96%) and the least with the solvent Cyclohexane (0.43%). The color of acetone extract was dark reddish brown and the remaining extracts were brown. The consistency of all the extracts was oily and sticky. Tannins and steroids are present in all the extracts. While alkaloids were absent in all extracts. Phenol and flavonoids are present in all the extracts, except Petroleum ether and Cyclohexane extracts. Red ppt was produced that shows the presence of pectin in the study drug.
Conclusion: Qualitative analysis of extracts revealed the presence of tannins, steroids, flavonoids and phenols. Dried pericarp can be preserved and used for a longer time than fresh pericarp because the former one has less moisture content in it.