Cytomorphological and Preliminary Phytochemical Screening of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk

Abstract

Aim: Present study deals with the morphological, cytological and phytochemical characterization of Eclipta alba. Materials and Methods: The plant materials (Eclipta alba whole plant) were collected from “Banga†region of Punjab, India. They were then studied for various morphological features, meiosis and phytochemicals. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF) have been done to understand the different functional groups and elemental detail. Results and Discussion: Three morphotypes i.e., prostrate, semi-erect and erect has been described for Eclipta alba but with a constant chromosome number 2n=22 in all forms. Alkaloids, amino acid, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, gums and mucilage, phenolics, reducing sugars, tannins etc. were reported in aqueous and ethanol extracts of these forms. Further, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy has strengthened the phytochemical observations. Elements like Potassium, Calcium, Chlorine, Magnesium, Iron etc. were analyzed through Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence. Conclusion: Three morphotypes with same chromosome number have been described for Eclipta alba. The prostrate form seems to be better than other forms in terms of phytoconstituents and elements.