Abstract:
Certain individuals still prefer traditional medicines as these have fewer side effects. Diabetes mellitus is one of the epidemics throughout the world. Researchers have proved that the anti-diabetic activity of medicinal plants is due to the presence of phytochemicals and other ingredients which demonstrate hypoglycemic activity. The objective of this present study was to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytochemical constituents in leaves of four selected medicinal plants known for their anti-diabetic properties, Murraya koenigii, (Curry leaf) Tinospora cordifolia (Moonseed), Enicostemma axillare (Indian white head) and Gymnema sylvestre (Cow plant). The leaves of selected medicinal plants were collected and authenticated at National Herbarium Centre, Peradeniya. The shade dried leaves were powdered and extracted with ethanol using cold extraction technique. The ethanolic extracts of each medicinal plant leaves powder were used to detect the presence of phytochemicals. The total phenolic, tannin and flavonoid contents were evaluated by colorimetric method. Tannin, saponins, alkaloid, glycosides, steroids, phenols and coumarins were found in leaf extracts of all plants. Terpenoids, quinone and anthraquinones were only found in M. koenigii and E. axillare. Total phenolic contents (mg GAE/g) varied from 325.6±23.84 (T. cordifolia) to 1960.7±66.88 (M. koenigii), Flavonoid contents (mg GAE/g) ranged from 15.03±1.42 (T. cordifolia) to 22.27±0.86 (E. axillare). Total Tannin content (mg/ml) of all four varieties is almost similar (1.24±0.008). Higher alkaloid content was found in M. koenigii (19.42±0.26%). This study revealed that the ethanolic extract of leaves of all plant species contains basic phytochemicals and M. koenigii is richer with important phytochemicals tested followed by E. axillare. Therefore, Enicostemma and Murraya species can be used as Nutraceuticals in traditional medicine.
