Phyto-physicochemical and high performance thin layer chromatography investigation of Melilotus officinalis Linn.

Abstract

Context: Melilotus officinalis belongs to family Leguminosae (Fabaceae), historically has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes. Despite its popular medicinal utilization, still no conclusive study has been reported so far regarding the pharmacognostical standardization. Aim: Thus, the present study was focused to scientifically establish a standard monograph of M. officinalis on the basis of physicochemical and phytochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: The various physicochemical parameters such as ash values, extractive values, volatile oil content, moisture content, and fluorescence analysis of M. officinalis were determined for ascertaining the quality of crude drug. The preliminary qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) of M. officinalis were performed. Results: The physicochemical parameters were established. The various phytochemicals such as carbohydrates, sugar, sterols, triterpenoids, anthraquinone glycosides, saponin glycoside, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds were detected in various extracts of M. officinalis. The methanolic and aqueous extract of leaves was found to contain high amount of total phenols and flavonoids compared to stem. The HPTLC fingerprinting of various phytochemical in methanol and aqueous extract was done. Conclusion: The obtained data would serve as a useful guide toward establishing pharmacognostic standards, identification, assessing purity, standardization, and preparation of monograph of M. officinalis.