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Phytochemical analysis of Acalypha indica (L.) using various solvents

2
1
1
1*
P.L. Drishya , S.N. Ambili , R. Nivetha , A. Iren Amutha and R. Medo Merina 2
1 Research Scholar, Department of Botany & Research Centre, Women’s Christian College,
Nagercoil.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Botany & Research Centre, Women’s Christian College,
Nagercoil.

Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu,

India.
*Email of corresponding author: drishyalulu@gmail.com

ABSTRACT:
Acalypha indica (L.) is the common medicinal plant which belongs to the family

Euphorbiaceae. The objective of the present study is to investigate the various
phytochemicals from the acetone, ethanol, hexane and aqueous extracts of Acalypha indica

(L.). From the plant extracts, the analysis were carried out to find the presence of the

phytochemicals such as amino acids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids,
phenols, steroids, saponins and reducing sugars. When compared to the other extracts, the

acetone extract of experimental plant showed the higher number of phytochemicals. The

generated data from the different extracts of Acalypha indica (L.) plant provided the basis for
its wide uses in the traditional and folk medicine.

Keywords: Acalypha indica (L.), solvent, extracts, phytochemicals.
INTRODUCTION:

India is a varietal emporium of medicinal plants and is one of the richest countries in
the world in regard to genetic resources of medicinal plants. It exhibits a wide range in

topography and climate, which has a bearing on its vegetation and floristic composition.

Moreover, the agroclimatic conditions are conductive for introducing and domesticating a
new exotic plant varieties (Martins et al., 2001). India is rich in medicinal plant diversity.

India is rich in all three levels of biodiversity, as species diversity, genetic diversity and
habitat diversity. India has a rich heritage of knowledge on plant-based drugs both for use in

preventive and curative medicines. A country like India is very much suited for development
drugs from medicinal plants. A large number of these plants grow wild and exploited

especially for use in indigenous pharmaceutical houses. Some of these plants produce

valuable drugs, which have high export potention (Lawrence, 1964).

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