Abstract

HERMOSILLA ESPINOSA, Robinson et al. Phytochemical study and quality control of extracts from leaves of Rheedia aristata Griseb.. Rev Cubana Plant Med [online]. 2013, vol.18, n.3, pp.361-367. ISSN 1028-4796.

Introduction: traditionally, farmers have used the resin of the shaft of Rheedia aristata Griseb. to remove penetrated thorns in the body and cure respiratory diseases such as asthma and lung inflammatory process. Objective: to identify the secondary metabolites in the decoction, tincture at 20 % and fluid extract of the leaves of Rheedia aristata Griseb. and to establish the tincture and the fluid extract stability at a 20 %. Methods: air parts of the plant were collected; they were washed, disinfected, dried and pulverized. The decoction, tincture at 20 %, and extract were obtained and they were filtered. Finally, phytochemical screenings and quality control tests were performed. Results: phytochemical screening confirms the existence of several families of secondary metabolites of biological and pharmacological interest; among others, saponins, quinones, coumarins and alkaloids. The quality control tests carried out to the tincture at 20 % and flowing extract indicated that, under the conditions applied, the elaborated products are stable. Conclusions: the 20 % tincture and the fluid extract of the leaves of Rheedia aristata are rich formulations in secondary metabolites that could be the active principles responsible for the use of the plant as medicine, as reported in ethnobotanical studies. This fact, together with the great stability and absence of toxicity reports, converts this plant in a potential source of phytomedicines.

Keywords : Rheedia aristata; phytochemical screening; extract; secondary metabolites.

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