EXTRACTION, PHYTOCHEMICAL & THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF MEDICINAL PLANT (VACHELLIA NILOTICA) STEM

The herbal products are today are the symbol of safety in contrast to the synthetic drugs, that are regarded as unsafe to human being and environment. Although herbs had been priced for their medicinal, flavouring and aromatic qualities for centuries, the synthetic products of the modern age surpassed their importance, for a while. However, the blind dependence on synthetics is over and people are returning to the naturals with hope of safety and security. It’s time to promote them globally. Vachellia nilotica (L.) is also known as Gum Arabic tree, Babul, Egyptian thorn, or Prickly Vachellia is multipurpose nitrogen fixing tree legume Babul plant is therapeutic used as anti-cancer, anti tumours, antiscorbutic, astringent, antioxidant, natriuretic, antispasmodial, diuretic, intestinal pains and diarrhea, nerve stimulant, cold, congestion, coughs, dysenter, fever, hemorrhages, leucorrhea, ophthalmia and sclerosis.  V nilotica is the most important tree and almost all its parts are used in medicine, including leaves, bark, root, flower, pods, gum, etc.  Powder of the root is useful in leucorrhoea, wound healing, and burning sensation. This study deals with Extraction, Phytochemical & Thin layer chromatography of hydroalcoholic extract of  Vachellia nilotica Stem. The stem of plant was collected & subjected to extraction by methanol as solvent. Further phytochemical screening & TLC was performed. The results showed that % yield was found to be 6.32%. Phytochemical screening was revealed for the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, tannins, resins, flavonoids, steroids, proteins and amino acids. The TLC profile has revealed that presence of flavonoids and phenol in the tested plant extract. From these results it can be concluded that the stem of V nilotica is enriched with phenol & flavonoids.

Keywords: V. nilotica, TLC, Phytochemicals, Herbal medicines, Phenol, Flavonoid