Resumen

DEL CASTILLO OCHOA, Sandra et al. Identificación fitoquímica de las hojas y ramas de la Helietta cubensis Monach-Moldenke, especie endémica de Cuba. Rev Cubana Farm [online]. 2004, vol.38, n.1, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-2988.

The preliminary phytochemical screening of the leaves and branches of Helietta cubensis Monach-Moldenke, a Cuban endemic species that grows in the hummocks of Pinar del Río is described. The detection of the secondary metabolites was carried out by reagents of identification that are specific for each family of compounds. A great number of flavonoids and lactones/coumarines was identified in both parts of the species. A low concentration of triterpenes/steroids, lipids/essential oils, saponins and carotenes was observed, whereas amines and alkaloids were not detected. The results obtained in the identification of alkaloids, flavonoids and coumarines were corroborated by thin layer chromatography. In general, the results attained were homogeneous for both parts of the plant and they are the first report about the chemical composition of this species.

Palabras clave : Helietta cubensis; Helietta cubensis; endemic; Cuba; phytochemistry; chromatography.