Abstract

QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF PHYTOCHEMICALS OF FRUIT EXTRACTS OF OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA (L) GROWN IN GUJARAT

Dr. Sumita Dasgupta*, Alpesh Khatarani, Nirmal Pithadiya and Shivangi H. Zaveri

ABSTRACT

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) commonly referred to as prickly pear or cactus has been traditionally used in folk medicine in several countries because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, neuroprotective properties. In the present investigation, qualitative and quantitative estimation of major phytochemicals from different extracts of cactus fruit grown in Gujarat was ascertained. Alkaloid, Saponin, flavonoid and phenolic content was detected in the preliminary screening. The result of quantitative estimation showed flavonoid content to be maximum in all the extracts with the highest (375.33 ± 0.15 mg/gm QE) detected in methanol extract. Total phenolic content was also significant with maximum quantity (95.21± 0.40 mg/gm GAE) found to be present in the methanol extract. Phenolic compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant anti- mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic activities. The presence of these phytochemicals in the fruit justifies therapeutic uses of the fruit.

Keywords: Opuntia ficus- indica, alkaloids, saponin, flavonoids, phenolic compounds.