Preliminary pharmacognostical and phytochemical investigation on <i>Sterculia foetida</i> Linn. seeds

Abstract

Powdered seed of Sterculia foetida (Sterculiaceae) were subjected to successive Soxhlet extraction with chloroform, ethanol and finally with water to get their respective extracts for detailed chemical analysis. Fluorescence character of different extracts and seed powder with various reagents were
noted under UV and under normal ordinary light. The total ash value, acid insoluble ash value and water soluble ash value were 3.9, 0.76 and 0.84%, respectively. Loss of weight on drying was 7.65%, the percent yield for chloroform, ethanol, water extracts were 14, 21, 29%, respectively. Preliminary qualitative chemical analysis of extract was found positive for flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids in ethanol extracts. These studies provide referential information for correct identification and standardization of this plant material.