Phytochemical Screening and TLC Profiling of Various Extracts of Reinwardtia indica

Reinwardtia indica, belongs to family Linaceae known as yellow flax or pyoli commonly found in the Himalaya. The plant has varied ethno medicinal importance such as aerial parts are used to prevent bleeding of cuts and as mouthwash; leaves are used in the treatment of paralysis and as natural antibiotic. Qualitative phytochemical screening of chloroform, acetone, ethanol, methanol and aqueous extracts was performed to explore scientific basis of ethno medicinal potential. It confirmed the presence of many phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavanoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, phlobatanins etc. in various extracts. Most of the phytochemicals were found in methanol and ethanol extracts. Thin Layer chromatography (TLC) of the acetone, methanol, chloroform and aqueous extract was performed for four important phytochemicals alkaloids, flavanoids, tannins and phenol. Flavanoids showed their presence in all extracts with one spot in each (Rf 0.8 for acetone, 0.918 for methanol, 0.816 for chloroform and 0.737 for aqueous extract). Alkaloids and tannins were found in acetone and methanol extract while phenol was present only in methanol extract (Rf 0.8). These findings provided the evidence that Reinwardtia indica is a potent source for some medicinally important phytochemicals and it justifies its use as a medicinal plant. This can be further investigated for the isolation and identification of active biochemical compound of medicinal utilities