Qualitative phytochemical analysis of Phyllanthus virgatus G. Forst.: a riparian herb

The whole plant of Phyllanthus virgatus was selected for qualitative phytochemical analysis as per its traditional uses. Whole plant paste is used to cure skin itching. The Soxhlet method was adopted for extraction using three solvents (aqueous, ethanol, and methanol). Results revealed that whole plant extracts showed the presence of tannin, which might be responsible for treating skin itches. Further, more experimental works are needed to validate ethnomedicinal claims on P. virgatus and the development of therapeutic drugs against skin itches.