Preliminary Qualitative Phytochemical Profiling of Luffa Aegyptiaca

Aqueous extract of the fruits and leaves of Luffa aegyptiaca was preliminary screened with the aim of assessing the availability of some biologically active compounds. Pulverized leaves sample of Luffa aegyptiaca was extracted with water; the filtrate was concentrated on water bath and then air-dried at 25oC. The prepared aqueous-extract was used for the phytochemical screening study which was carried out using standard methods. The phytochemicals screened from the aqueous extract of Luffa aegyptiaca showed positive result for flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and cardiac glycoside compounds. These compounds found in the aqueous extract of Luffa aegyptiaca fruits and leaves may have a wide range of biological activities which could of pharmaceutical importance. Sterols, saponins, terpinoids, flavonoids, fatty acids, amino acids, phenolic types of compounds and antioxidants (Qizhen Du et al., 2006) have been isolated by different workers from the Luffa aegyptiaca. More investigation and thorough study of this plant may open a new chapter towards the significant role of the plant for the human well- beings. With this end in view, phytochemical studies of the fruit Luffa aegyptiaca have been undertaken.