Evaluation of phytochemicals in the leaf extract of Clitoria ternatea Willd. through GC-MS analysis

Abstract

Clitoria ternatea is a perennial herb of India which is reported to possess several therapeutic properties. It is also found in China, Philippines and Madagascar. It is a vigorous, persistent, herbaceous perennial legume. Most of the plant parts are reported to possess therapeutic properties. In the traditional system of medicine, Clitoria ternatea has been utilized for treatment of worm infestation, infertility, skin problems, tonsillitis, cough, asthma traditionally etc. In the present study, fifty percent hydromethanolic extract of leaf of Clitoria ternatea (CTE) was prepared and subjected to various biochemical qualitative tests and GC-MS analysis to detect the presence of various phytoconstituents in CTE. Biochemical tests confirmed the presence of various phytochemicals viz., saponins, resins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, etc. GC-MS analysis revealed the occurrence of thirty compounds in CTE. The main phyto-composition of Clitoria ternatea is predicted to be Butyl-2-methyl-propylphthalate (20.11%), Butyl-2-methylpropylphthalate (10.39%), Butylocty-lphthalate (11.29%), Diisononylphthalate (3.54%) etc., whereas, Butyl-2-ethyl-hexyl-phthalate was major phytoconstituents with 30.19% of total constituents. Thus it could be inferred that the therapeutic potential of CTE is because of different phytochemicals present in the extract prepared.

Keywords

• Clitoria ternatea
• GC-MS analysis
• Phytochemicals