Abstract:
This study investigated the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major
bioactive constituents in the leaves of Thebu, Costus speciosus, which
belongs to the family Costaceae. Phytochemical investigations were carried
out using standard procedure described in the literature for the powdered
plant material or methanolic extract or other solvent extracts of the leaves
depending on the requirement of the procedure. The qualitative analyses
revealed that the leaves of C. speciosus contain alkaloids, flavanoids,
saponins, tannin, terpenes, steroids, poly phenolic compounds and
carbohydrates. The quantitative analysis indicated that the leaves contain
0.33% of alkaloids, 0.56% of tannin, 0.41% of flavanoids, 0.33% of saponins
and 1.1% of polyphenolic compounds.
