Identification of structurally unique molecules, phytochemical and immunological activity of medicinal plants

Ajam C. Shaikh, Amit Gupta and Sushama R Chaphalkar*
Vidya Pratishthan’s School of Biotechnology (VSBT, Research Centre affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University), Baramati, Maharashtra, India

A B S T R A C T
In the present study, our group analyzed major chemical constituents that are present in fresh aqueous leaves extracts and analyzed through HPTLC (high performance thin layer chromatography), LC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) and determined its immuno pharmacological (i.e. immunosuppressive) activity. During preliminary studies, phytochemical screening was carried out and showed the presence of chemical constituents like glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds etc. HPTLC finger print analysis of Acaica catechu, Santalum album, Bambusa arundinacea, Mesua ferrea, Ficus religiosa and Ficus benghalensis showed the presence of possible number of components and determined its consistent quality of chemical constituents. As per the experimental conditions including general comments on the application of chromatographic fingerprint analysis are discussed. In addition, aqueous extract of these medicinal plants also responsible for immunosuppressive activity against specific protein antigen (hepatitis B vaccine antigen, HBsAg; 20 µg/ml) i.e. due to decrease in monocytes and granulocytes count.
Keywords: Acaica catechu, Santalum album, Bambusa arundinacea, Mesua ferrea, Ficus religiosa, Ficus benghalensis