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EXTRACTION AND PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF SECONDARY METABOLITES
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Table 1 showed negative results for the following classes of secondary metabolites:
alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and glycosides while only tannins showed positive results.
However, studies revealed that all secondary metabolites tested are present (Majumder, et. al.,
2011).
The photographic data for the results of Alkaloids, the Dragendorff’s and Maeyer’s Tests
are shown below.
As shown in the picture, black precipitate which indicates the absence of alkaloids in the
plant extract. Alkaloids are pharmacologically active, complex organic compounds containing
one or more nitrogen atoms, characteristically as primary, secondary or tertiary amines, which
provide basicity to the alkaloid. However, it cannot be defined clearly because there are no
clear-cut boundary between alkaloids and naturally occurring complex amines.
In qualitative detection of alkaloid, it is often times precipitated from neutral or acidic
solution like potassiomercuric iodide solution (Maeyer’s reagent) and solution of potassium
bismuth iodide (Dragendorff’s reagent). Studies showed that alkaloids are present in all parts of
Peperomia pellucida (Majumdar et. al., 2011). Alkaloids have been associated with medicinal
uses for centuries and one of their common biological properties is their cytotoxicity
Saponins, on the other hand, are a class of chemical compounds that are amphipathic
glycosides grouped, in terms of phenomenology, by the soap-like foaming they produce when
shaken in aqueous solutions. In terms of structure, have one or more hydrophilic glycoside
moieties combined with a lipophilic triterpene derivative.
Saponins are readily detected by the formation of froth or bubbles when agitated in
aqueous solution. Because of the presence of amphiphatic glycosides, it has the ability to form
soap-like foaming when shaken in aqueous solution. Their ability to foam is caused by the
combination of the non-polar sapogenin and the water soluble side chain.
In the experiment, the sample gave negative results on saponins. Although studies
showed that saponins are present in all parts of Peperomia pellucida except for the stem.
Saponins are known to produce inhibitory effect on inflammation. Saponins has the property
of precipitating and coagulating red blood cells. Some of the characteristics of saponins
include formation of foams in aqueous solutions, hemolytic activity, cholesterol binding
properties and bitterness (Yadav and Agarwala, 2011).
Next secondary metabolites tested was flavonoid. Flavonoids are plant phenols generally
containing 2 benzene rings and are derived from flavones and are known to have antioxidant
activity. Flavonoids are hydroxylated phenolic substances known to be synthesized by
plants in response to microbial infection and they have been found to be antimicrobial substances
against wide array of microorganisms in vitro. Their activity is probably due to their ability
to complex with extracellular and soluble proteins and to complex with bacterial cell wall.
Its presence can be detected by the formation of red precipitate after the addition of
magnesium turning and diluted HCl. The photos of the results are shown below in Figure 2.
The test tube labelled with letter A is the sample that was subjected to flavonoids test
while the other one is the original sample.
The image below in Figure 3 is the positive result for the qualitative test of tannins. Letter
A test tube is the original sample which is used as the basis in assessing the results. While letter
B test tube is the positive results for such analysis in the presence of black precipitate.
Figure 3. Test for Tannins
By definition, tannins are complex organic, non-nitrogenous plant products, which
generally have astringent properties. These compounds comprise a large group of compounds
that are widely distributed in the plant kingdom. Tannins are known to bind to proline rich
protein and interfere with protein synthesis.
The last class of secondary metabolites analysed was the of the glycosides. When sugars
are present, it readily precipitated out into red brick with Fehling’s Reagent. Studies on the
phytochemical screening of Peperomia pellucida claimed that glycosides or sugars are present.
Glycosides are known to lower the blood pressure according to many reports.
CONCLUSIONS
Stock plant extract were prepared by soaking 50 grams of sample with 95% ethanol for
48 hours. It was concentrated under vacuum at around 40oC. Different phytochemical screening
were performed to determine the presence of important secondary metabolites. Based on the
aforementioned results, the following generalizations are drawn:
1. That the extract must be concentrated enough to detect the secondary metabolites present;
and
2. That tannins is present based on the experiment, although all secondary metabolites are
present on studies conducted.
REFERENCES
EDRISS, A., ALABJAR, Z. A., AND A. A. SATTI. 2012. Phytochemical screening of important
secondary metabolites in some extracts of two Sudanese plant. Global Advanced
Research Journal of Environmental Science and Toxicology, 1(8): 199-202.