Pharmacognostical standardization and isolation of ergosterol from melothria maderaspatana linn

Abstract

The present study includes macroscopical as well as microscopical description of the plant Melothria maderaspatana Linn., along with determination of various physicochemical parameters, such as different ash values, extractive values, and fluorescence drug analysis. Preliminary phytochemical screening along with quantification of total phenolic and flavonoid content were also determined in the whole plant extract. The presence of ergosterol, which was isolated and characterized by performing thin layer chromatography and spectral techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1HNMR, and mass spectrometry from chloroform fraction, was also reported for the first time. The other phytochemical isolated from the same fraction was found to be β-sitosterol. Thus, the present study will provide referential information to the researchers having interest in the relevant field for correct identification and authentication of the plant, which will minimize the adulteration of that particular crude drug and its formulations. © 2013 Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.