Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Screening of Leaves of Cajanus Scarabaeoides (L.) Thouars

Background

The plant Cajanus scarabaeoides (L.) Thouars has potent medicinal values. It has wound healing, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, hepatoprotective activities.

Objectives

Pharmacognostical examination of organoleptic, microscopical characters including bromatological analysis, preliminary phytochemical screening, powder behaviour, fluorescence properties, antioxidant and free radicle activity of leaf part.

Materials and Methods

Freshly prepared plant extracts were systematically analysed using qualitative phytochemical screening methods. The leaf powder was subjected for organoleptic study and bromatological analysis. Extracts of selected solvents prepared for antioxidant analysis and free radicle activity.

Results

The macro and microscopic study revealed that Leaves pinnately 3-foliolate, ovate, pubescent with glandular trichomes; leaflets papery to leathery, petiole 1-2 cm. This crude drug powder showed the characteristic physicochemical values like 3±0.02% (total ash), 61.33±0.06% (moisture content), 38.66±0.08% (dry matter content), 3.1±0.28% (crude fat content), 17.86±0.02% (crude fibre content), 6.91±0.04% crude protein content. The plant contains phytochemicals like alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, phenolic compounds, flavones, tannin, saponin, glycosides, steroids. Ethanol and acetone are potent solvents for preliminary detection. Leaf powder exhibited characteristic behavior and fluorescence with various chemical reagents, while ethanol and acetone extracts showed significant antioxidant activity due to phenols, flavonoids, and free radical scavenging properties.

Conclusion

The findings from this study of Cajanus scarabaeoides, underscore its potential as a valuable resource in the development of novel therapeutic agents.