Phytochemical screening and HPTLC finger printing analysis of Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) seed

Objective: To find out the secondary metabolites present in the various extracts of Citrullus lanatus (C. lanatus) (Thunb.) and mineral content present in the plant material. Methods: The powdered plant material was extracted using different solvents. Phytochemical screening and HPTLC fingerprinting analysis were then carried out. Results: The ethanolic seed extract of C. lanatus showed the presence of majority of secondary metabolites when compared to other solvent system. The quantitative analysis of the plant material also revealed the presence of various amount of carbohydrates, phenols, flavonoids, proteins, fibre, phosphorus and irons. The HPTLC fingerprinting analysis was carried for flavonid and phenolic compounds by using CAMAG LINOMAT 5 instrument which revealed the presence of flavonoid and phenolic compound especially quercetin in the ethanolic seed extract of C. lanatus. Conclusions: The results scientifically validate the use of C. lanatus in the traditional medicine and it can be used to treat various disorders caused by free radical and chemical substances due to presence of secondary metabolites