PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, THINLAYER CHROATOGRAPHY AND HPTLC STUDIES OF METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF CITRULLUSLANATUS

Objectives: The present study was carried out to determine the phytochemical constituents, thin layer chromatographic profile and HPTLC Analysis of Citrullus lanatus leaf extracts. It has been reportedly used widely in traditional herbal medicine. The leaves of Citrullus lanatusis analgesic, anti-inflammatory, mosquitocidal, gonorrhea and anti-microbial property. Materials and methods: The leaves of C.lanatus were collected, dried, pulverized and extracted with methanol using maceration method. The extract was concentrated in vacuo with the aid of rotary evaporator to afford a greenish crude methanol extract (ME). The fractions were subjected to general phytochemical screening and thin-layer chromatography using standard procedures. Quantitative estimation of some secondary metabolites presentin the plant using the standard process. The phytochemical evaluation of methanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus was carried out by using HPTLC studies. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, steroids and triterpenes which varies in other fractions. Thin-layer chromatographic studies using different solvent systems revealed homogenous spots with different Rf values. TLC & HPTLC studies showed the presence of flavonoid, phenolic compound and tannin. In HPTLC studies the extract was compared with standards and the presence of quercetin, gallic acid and catech in were formed. The vitamin B1 ,B2 and vitamin were estimated. Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that the leaf of Citrullus lanatus contains secondary metabolites and suitable mobile phase for each fraction have been developed