Phytochemical investigations on the therapeutic properties of the of Ensete glaucum (Roxb.) Cheesman

Abstract

The traditional Khasi tribal community of North-Eastern hill region of India cite the use of pseudostem sap of Ensete glaucum (Roxb.) Cheesman for therapeutic purpose, especially for diarrhoea. This preliminary study has been conducted to evaluate the curative properties of the pseudostem sap by screening for the presence of alkaloids, amino acids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, polyphenols, oils and fats, reducing sugars, starch, saponins, tannins and terpenoids. Standard tests confirmed the presence of reducing sugars, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides and alkaloids, which together contribute to the curative property of the sap as discussed. Polyphenol content in the sap was found to be 10.59 mg GAE mL^-1 and total antioxidant capacity estimated is 54.538 mg AAE mL^-1, and total flavonoids was measured at 2.52 mg QE mL^-1 of fresh sap.