Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis and Estimation of Total Phenol Content of Methanolic Root Extract of Salacia Oblonga

Salacia oblonga also known as ‘ponkoranti’ in Tamil is a woody plant, belonging to the celasstraceae family that grows in countries like India, China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. Salacia oblonga as a part of ayurvedic medicine helps to treat diseases like diabetes, asthma, joint pain. Phytochemicals are basically large and diverse secondary metabolites produced by plants, it is mainly essential for the growth, development and interaction and protection in a biotic and abiotic environment. The aim of the study is to carry out phytochemical analysis and estimation of total phenol content of methanolic root extract of salacia oblonga. The methanolic root extract was prepared, concentrated and stored. The extract was tested qualitatively for various phytochemicals and quantitatively for total phenols. From this study it was evident that Salacia oblonga root extract was rich in phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and also possess a good concentration of total phenol (10.2mg GAE/gm). Phenols and flavonoids act as natural antioxidants which shield us from oxidative damage. From this study it was evident that the plant Salacia oblonga is rich in phytoconstituents and further studies are required to isolate the chemical constituents and explore its biological value.