Phytochemical Evaluation of Marchantiapolymorphamontivagans

Introduction:
Introduction:
[Marchantia polymorpha] is one of the largest thallose liverworts, with
dichotomously branching, prostate or ascending flat thalli up to 2 cm
broad, often growing in dense mats. Our specimen was gathered
within the campus, and was analyzed phytochemically. Phytochemical
analysis involves the identification of bioactive chemical components
of the plant. These components are directly responsible for some of the
characteristics of the plant. The significance of performing this assay is
that it identifies components which then can be further analyzed for
other uses (e.g. antimicrobial properties, medicinal purposes). The
objective of this experiment is to identify the bioactive chemical
compounds of the thalloid liverwort.
Species
Phytochemical
Significance
Objectives
RRL
Methodology
Identification of the species
Gathering of Specimes
Preparation of the Extract(acid, aqueous and alcoholic)
Screening Proper
Results and Discussion
Test
Detects the presence of
Wagners Test
Alkaloids
Anthraquinone Test
Glycosides
Froth Test
Saponins
Liebermans Test
Triterpenes
Benedicts Test
Carbohydrates
Flavonoid Test
Flavonoid
Table 1.1 Results of the phytochemical assay.

Result
(+)
(-)
(+)
(-)
(-)
(+)

The results showed that Marchantiapolymorphamontivagans contains

alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids. The solutions of alkaloids are
intensely bitter. These
Nitrogenous compounds function in the defense of plants against
herbivores and pathogens, and are widely exploited as
pharmaceuticals, stimulants, narcotics, and poisons due to their potent

biological activities. In nature, the alkaloids exist in large proportions in

the seeds. (Doughari, 2012) Some compounds found in alkaloids
include morphine, codeine, caffeine, berberine and sanguinarine which
all have pharmacological uses. Wagners test was used to determine
the presence of alkaloids because alkaloids react with Wagners
reagent (iodine in potassium iodide), producing a reddish brown color
in the solution.
Saponins are a diverse class of natural surfactants, or detergents,
found in many plants, but they are most abundant in the desert plants
Yucca and Quillaja. Extracts from these plants are commonly used as
foaming agents for beverages such as root beer. These biochemicals
also have commercial applications such as ore separation in industrial
and mining operations, and are useful in products such as
photographic emulsions, cosmetics, and shampoos.(Davidson, 1995)
Froth test was used to determine if
Marchantiapolymorphamontivagans contains saponins because if a 1
cm layer results 15 minutes after being diluted with 20 ml distilled
water, it means that the saponins reacted with the solution containing
10 ml benzene a.
Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds that are ubiquitous in nature
and are categorized, according to chemical structure, into flavonols,
flavones, flavanones, isoflavones, catechins, anthocyanidins and
chalcones. Over 4,000 flavonoids have been identified, many of which
occur in fruits, vegetables and beverages. (Buhler, D. et al., 2000) The
flavonoids test was used because falvonoids react with dilute NaOH,
producing a golden yellow color.
Anthraquinone test is used to determine presence of glycosides in a
plant sample. Glycosides in general, are defined as the condensation products of sugars
(including
polysaccharides) with a host of different varieties of organic hydroxy (occasionally thiol)
compounds (invariably monohydrate in character), in such a manner that the hemiacetal
entity of the carbohydrate must essentially take part in the condensation.(Doughari, 2012)

positive result will showcase a pink or violet color at the base of the
aqueous solution.
Marchantiapolymorphamontivagans projected a negative result
therefore determining the absence of glycosides.
Benedicts test detects presence of reducing sugar.
Marchantiapolymorphamontivagans extract/ solution showed a
negative result which might have occurred due to transformation of the
reducing sugars to their nonreducing form since sugars in plants are
translocated in their nonreducing form.
Conclusion
jesuscambay3rd@y.c.ph

References/ Literature Cited

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thesis)Retrieved from
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Doughari, J. (2012). Phytochemicals: Extraction methods, basic
structures and mode of action as potential chemotherapeutic
agents.
Davidson, M. (1995). Saponins. Retrieved from
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/phytochemicals/pages/saponin.html
on March 1, 2014
Mdlolo, C. (2009). Phytochemical analysis and selectedbiological
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