Abstract

IDENTIFICATION AND QUANTIFICATION OF PHYTOCHEMICALS IN HEMIONITIS OPPOSITA (KAULF.) CHRISTENH, AN UNEXPLORED FERN OF VALPARAI HILLS

*D. Sowmiya, H. Rehana Banu, M. Krishnasreya and R. Sangavi

ABSTRACT

Plants protect themselves from biotic stresses with the help of secondary metabolites and researchers over the years demonstrate that they can also protect humans against diseases. Among plant species, the pteridophytes are the least favoured group in exploring phytochemicals to utilize in medicine preparation. Hence, the present study was proposed to investigate the secondary metabolites of Hemionitis opposita, a small to medium sized fern which belongs to the family Pteridaceae. The leaves of Hemionitis opposita were analyzed for the phytochemicals and inorganic constituents. Preliminary phytochemical screening reported the presence of alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides and cardiac glycosides in methanolic extract and flavonoids alone in the chloroform extract. GC-MS analysis of methanol extract revealed the presence of bioactive compounds. Quantification of total alkaloids, tannins and terpenoids in the methanolic extract of selected fern reveals least amount of alkaloids (0.074 mg/ml) and more amounts of terpenoids (0.705 mg/ml). Analysis of inorganic nutrients in the methanolic extract of H. opposita contains calcium, chloride, phosphate and nitrate.

Keywords: Hemionitis opposita, phytochemicals, GC-MS, inorganic constiuents.