Phytochemical Screening of Leaves of Catharanthus roseus (L.)
Amanda Furtado de Almeida
Academic of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Amapá, Highway Juscelino Kubitschek, KM-02, Garden Ground Zero - 68902-280, Macapa, AP, Brazil
Ryan da Silva Ramos
Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Federal University of Amapá, Highway Juscelino Kubitschek, KM-02, Garden Ground Zero - 68902-280, Macapa, AP, Brazil
Sheylla Susan Moreira da Silva de Almeid *
Chemistry of Natural Products, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Federal University of Amapá, Highway Juscelino Kubitschek, KM-02, Garden Ground Zero - 68902-280, Macapa, AP, Brazil
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To determine the major classes of secondary metabolites found in the leaves of Catharanthus roseus (L.).
Study Design: The study aimed to determine the major classes of secondary metabolites of plant species Catharanthus roseus through technical and classical methodologies.
Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry of Pharmacy Course, in the period between July 2013 and May 2014.
Methodology: The analyzes carried out phytochemical: organic acids, phenols and tannins, anthraquinones, organic acids, depisides and depsidones, flavonoids, triterpenoids and steroids, alkaloids, purine, polysaccharides and saponins, catechins were carried out.
Results: The results of the phytochemical analysis were positive for organic acids, reducing sugars, phenols and tannins, depsides and depsidones, steroids and triterpenoids, alkaloids and saponins.
Conclusion: According to the biological activity, cited in the literature, the metabolites present in the leaves of C. roseus (L.) is associated with its use empirical; however, its use in folk medicine is very restricted due to their high toxicity.
Keywords: Secondary metabolites, natural products, plant extracts, preliminary analysis