Screening and Quantitative Estimation of Phytochemical Constituents in Citrullus colocynthis (Linn.) Schrad.

Abstract

Citrullus colocynthis (Linn.) Schrad (Cucurbitaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used as an abortifacient and to treat constipation, oedema, bacterial infections, cancer and diabetes. Phytochemicals are utilized to a large extent by the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food, agrochemicals, and chemurgic industries. The main objective of the present work was to study the qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytochemical constituents in leaf, stems, and root samples of C. colocynthis. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the plant showed the presence of im- portant bioactive primary and secondary metabolites in different grades. On quantification, highest amount of bioactive compounds was observed in the descending order Carbohydrate, flavonoids and terpenoids. Phenols and tannins were found in trace amounts. Whereas, fat, proteins, alkaloids, saponins are obtained preferable mil- ligram dry yield in leaf, stem and root samples of C. colocynthis.