Phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis of Costus pictus
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Preliminary phytochemical screening and gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of costus pictus d. don
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Medicinal plants have been an integral part of traditional therapeutic practices worldwide, demonstrating significant potential for drug development, particularly in developing countries. The knowledge and use of bioactive compounds, or phytochemicals—natural non-nutritive chemicals found in plants—has sparked interest among pharmaceutical companies seeking novel therapeutic agents. The study highlighted in the article focuses on Costus pictus D. Don, commonly known as the "spiral ginger" or "insulin plant," whose leaves have been recognized for their anti-diabetic properties. This research aims to perform a preliminary phytochemical screening of ethanol, aqueous, and petroleum ether extracts of Costus pictus leaves, followed by a Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to identify its bioactive constituents.
Phytochemical Screening
The qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed a wide range of bioactive compounds present in various extracts of Costus pictus leaves. The preliminary screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, glycosides, carbohydrates, tannins, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, and proteins in the ethanol extract. In comparison, the petroleum ether extract contained alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, glycosides, phenols, and flavonoids, while the aqueous extract showed alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, carbohydrates, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, and proteins. These findings underline the extensive richness of the leaves in secondary metabolites, which are crucial for their medicinal properties, such as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.
GC-MS Analysis Findings
The GC-MS analysis conducted on the ethanol and petroleum ether extracts identified several important phytocompounds. Notable components included Neophytadiene, Phytol acetate, Hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester, and Squalene, among others. These compounds exhibit diverse pharmacological properties, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic effects. The confirmation of these bioactive constituents through GC-MS provides a scientific basis for their potential therapeutic applications, highlighting the medicinal value of Costus pictus as a source for herbal drug discovery.
Biological Activities of Identified Compounds
Various identified compounds from the study of Costus pictus have shown a range of biological activities. Compounds like Phytol, which is classified as a diterpene, have been noted for their antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial activities, while Squalene serves as an antibacterial and antitumor agent. Hexadecanoic acid is recognized for its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, indicating a diverse array of physiological benefits arising from these bioactive compounds. This highlights the potential of these phytochemicals in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications aimed at treating various health conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the research on Costus pictus leaves confirms the presence of a rich repository of phytochemicals with significant biological activities. The integration of qualitative phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis provides indispensable insights into the medicinal potential of this plant. The findings suggest that the bioactive compounds identified could serve as valuable resources for natural drug development, demonstrating the importance of traditional medicinal knowledge in modern pharmaceutical research. The study opens avenues for further research into isolating and characterizing these compounds, ultimately contributing to the innovation of targeted therapeutic agents.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Prejeena V., Suresh S. N. and Varsha V.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Preliminary phytochemical screening and gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of costus pictus d. don
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201710-9385
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the research on Costus pictus?
The research focuses on the qualitative phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis of Costus pictus leaves to identify bioactive compounds and confirm their medicinal properties.
What types of extracts were studied from Costus pictus?
The study examined three types of extracts: ethanol, aqueous, and petroleum ether extracts from the leaves of Costus pictus to analyze their phytochemical constituents.
Which phytochemicals were found in Costus pictus leaves?
The study identified alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, glycosides, carbohydrates, tannins, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, and proteins in the extracts from Costus pictus leaves.
What methods were used to analyze the phytochemical constituents?
The research employed qualitative phytochemical testing methods and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to analyze the bioactive compounds in Costus pictus extracts.
What medicinal properties does Costus pictus possess?
Costus pictus has demonstrated various pharmacological activities, including anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, making it a valuable medicinal plant.
How can the findings benefit pharmaceutical industries?
The identification of bioactive compounds through GC-MS analysis suggests that Costus pictus can be a potential source for developing natural drugs and phytopharmaceutical products.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis of Costus pictus”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Costus:
Costus refers to a genus of flowering plants, notably including Costus pictus, commonly known as the 'insulin plant'. It is recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly in managing diabetes. The relevance of Costus in pharmaceutical research lies in its bioactive compounds, which have potential therapeutic applications.
2) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants that contribute to their therapeutic properties. These compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, can have beneficial effects on health and are subjects of intense research for their potential use in developing natural drugs.
3) Drug:
A drug is a chemical substance that can alter physiological functions in the body. Natural substances derived from plants, such as those found in Costus pictus, are essential in developing new pharmaceuticals, linking traditional herbal medicine with modern drug discovery and development.
4) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of phytochemicals known for their antioxidant properties and potential health benefits. They are present in various plants, including Costus pictus, and are under investigation for their roles in combating diseases, including cancer, making them significant in pharmacological research.
5) Cancer:
Cancer represents a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Research into natural compounds, such as those derived from Costus pictus, is crucial for discovering new treatments and potential preventative approaches, as specific phytochemicals have shown promise in cancer therapy and prevention strategies.
6) Water:
Water is the primary solvent in various extraction and analysis processes for phytochemicals. It is used in preparing plant extracts from Costus pictus for phytochemical screening, facilitating the identification of bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant's therapeutic properties.
7) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Anti-bacterial is synonymous with antibacterial. It denotes the ability of substances to target and eliminate bacteria. The study reveals that compounds from Costus pictus exhibit significant anti-bacterial activity, highlighting the plant’s potential in combating bacterial infections and contributing to health benefits.
8) Table:
In scientific research, a table is a structured arrangement of data to present results clearly and concisely. In this study, tables summarize the findings of phytochemical screenings and GC-MS analysis, aiding in understanding the compounds present in Costus pictus and their potential applications.
9) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the study of drugs and their effects on biological systems. The pharmacological properties of the compounds found in Costus pictus are relevant for discovering new therapies, particularly in managing diseases like diabetes and cancer, which presents great interest for the pharmaceutical industry.
10) Activity:
Activity in a biological context refers to the effect a compound has on living organisms. The active compounds found in Costus pictus elicit various activities that can be therapeutic, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, underscoring the potential health benefits of natural products.
11) India:
India has a rich tradition of using medicinal plants in healthcare, contributing to the knowledge and discovery of natural compounds, particularly those found in Costus pictus. The ongoing research in India aims to explore these plants for modern pharmaceutical applications and traditional medicine.
12) Study (Studying):
A study systematically investigates a specific topic or hypothesis. The present study on Costus pictus focuses on its phytochemical constituents and potential pharmacological effects, providing scientific evidence necessary for developing natural medicines and understanding the efficacy of traditional herbal remedies.
13) Rich (Rch):
Rich describes the abundance or concentration of certain qualities or substances. The study highlights that Costus pictus leaves are rich in bioactive compounds, meaning they contain a high diversity and concentration of phytochemicals, which may be harnessed for pharmaceutical development.
14) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamil Nadu is a state in India known for its rich biodiversity and traditional medicinal practices. The research on Costus pictus takes place here, leveraging local knowledge of herbal medicine to explore the pharmacological potential of native plants for modern healthcare solutions.
15) Science (Scientific):
Scientific relates to the systematic study and knowledge derived from empirical research. The scientific investigation of Costus pictus’s phytochemical properties provides foundational data that supports the development of herbal drugs and enriches the understanding of traditional medicine through modern methodologies.
16) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses the information and understanding gained through experience or education. The historical and ongoing use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine provides a valuable knowledge base that informs contemporary pharmacological studies and drug discovery, particularly in relation to Costus pictus.
17) Narayana (Nara-ayana, Nara-yana):
Narayana refers to Sree Narayana Guru College, where the study was conducted. The college is involved in advancing education and research in biotechnology and natural product pharmacology, contributing significantly to the exploration of medicinal plants like Costus pictus and their therapeutic potential.
18) Nature:
Nature refers to the natural world and biodiversity, which includes medicinal plants like Costus pictus. Studying natural compounds and their health benefits allows researchers to uncover novel therapeutic options, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity for potential future drug discoveries.
19) Tamil:
Tamil refers to the Dravidian language spoken predominantly in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The cultural and historical significance of traditional medicine in Tamil Nadu, particularly the use of local flora for health, complements the ongoing scientific research into plants like Costus pictus.
20) Guru:
Guru signifies a teacher or mentor in Indian culture. This term, aligned with the educational ethos of Sree Narayana Guru College, stresses the importance of imparting knowledge and understanding of medicinal plants, including studies around plants such as Costus pictus for future research.
21) Nadu:
Nadu usually refers to the term 'land' in various South Indian languages, such as in Tamil Nadu, symbolizing a geographical region rich in culture and biodiversity. The pharmaceutical relevance of local flora, including Costus pictus, provides context for regional research studies.
22) Discussion:
Discussion in research refers to the section where findings are analyzed and interpreted. In the study of Costus pictus, the discussion elaborates on the implications of the results, including the significance of the identified phytochemicals and their potential therapeutic applications in medicine.
23) Developing:
Developing refers to the process of creating or enhancing something over time. In the context of this research, it pertains to the ongoing efforts in developing natural drugs from phytochemicals found in Costus pictus, contributing to the wider field of pharmaceutical development and research.
24) Container:
Container is a vessel or receptacle used to hold substances during experiments or extractions. In the study's methodology, containers are essential for holding the extracts of Costus pictus during the extraction process, facilitating the identification of phytochemicals and ensuring the integrity of the samples.
25) Species:
Species is a classification in biological taxonomy that identifies a group of organisms capable of interbreeding. Costus pictus, being a distinct species within the Costaceae family, represents unique phytochemical properties relevant for medicinal research, promoting biodiversity and potential therapeutic applications.
26) Varsha (Varsa):
Varsha refers to one of the authors of the study, highlighting the collaborative effort in research. The contribution of varied expertise within the research team, including Varsha, is essential for producing comprehensive studies on the medicinal properties of Costus pictus.