Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF WITHANIA COAGULANS L. DUNAL

Nisha Girish Bhat*, Kanchan G. Patil, Yogini P. Sonawane and Shreya C. Jain

ABSTRACT

Withania coagulans L. dunal (Paneer phool) commonly known as „Indian cheese maker‟ or „vegetable rennet‟ due to its milk coagulating property found especially in its leaves and fruits. It has been shown to have antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-tumour activity, hepatoprotective activity, anti-hyperglycemic activity, cardiovascular activity, also immunosuppressive activity, free radical scavenging activity, and CNS depressant activity are all known properties of the plant. Basic aim of this study was to depict different chemical metabolites present in fruits of withania coagulans. The phytochemical screening of extracts reveals the presence of various primary and secondary metabolites such as carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, steroids (withanolides, coagulinolide), saponins, organic acids, etc. The present study reports the macroscopically, microscopically and physicochemical studies of fruit of Withania coagulans L. dunal. Total flavonoid, total phenolic and total alkaloid estimation has been done. Methanol was used as an extractive solvent for phytochemical evaluation of fruit sample of the plant. Withanolides is an active constituent present in this plant. It is widely used in treating cancer, diabetes mellitus, nervous exhaustion, disability, insomnia, wasting diseases and failure to thrive in childrenetc. From this research study, it is concluded that Withania coagulans is a plant containing vast variety of phytoconstituents which should be further discovered for their therapeutic benefits.

Keywords: Withania coagulans, paneer phool, pharmacognosy, phytochemical, physicochemical.