Qualitative and quantitative investigation of phytochemicals present in the leaves of Thebu, Costus speciosus

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.