Comparative phytochemical screening and thin layer chromatography development for soxhlet and ultrasound-assisted extracts of Piper longum (Thippili) and Piper sarmentosum (Gas thippili) grown in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Piper longum (PL) holds significant importance in Sri Lankan traditional medicine, while Piper sarmentosum (PS) is considered a potential substitute for PL. Despite the recognized medicinal demand, few studies have compared the phytochemistry of these two species in Sri Lanka. The primary objective of this study is to identify a better extraction method for further phytochemical studies regarding PL and PS and to compare the phytochemical composition of different parts of both species. Fruits, stems, roots, and leaves of both species were extracted with methanol using Soxhlet extraction (SOXE) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE). Each extract underwent phytochemical screening and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) development using a hexane: ethyl acetate: methanol (60:40:1) solvent system. Results indicate that UAE extracts exhibited better outcomes, showing more intense bands in TLC and higher extractability of Flavonoids and Piperine/Pipeamides compared to SOXE. Furthermore, based on the phytochemical screening of different plant parts from UAE, Phenolics/Tannins, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, and Terpenoids were detected in all plant parts of both species. However, Saponins were only detected in fruits and leaves of both species. Regarding TLC, some spots with respective Rf values appeared in both species, while some spots only appeared in either PL or PS, visualized under different UV levels and with the anisaldehyde sulphuric acid reagent. In conclusion, the UAE method is more efficient for extracting phytochemicals from PL and PS. The study reveals both similarities and differences in the phytochemical profiles of different parts of PL and PS, providing valuable insights for future research.