Phytochemical Screening and GC-MS Analysis of Acetone Leaf Extract of Acalypha indica (Linn.)

Acalypha indica distributed in the southern part of India particularly in Tamilnadu has potential medicinal properties and it is used as diuretic, anthelmintic and for respiratory problems such as bronchitis, asthma and pneumonia. Phytochemical screening of leaves extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, steroids, saponins, terpenoids, flavanoids, cardiac glycosides and phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to screen the phytochemicals present in the leaf of Acalypha indica and further analysis of the components present in it by GC-MS analysis. The leaves were sequentially extracted based on the polarity viz., petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol. The acetone extract showed the presence of all phytoconstituents studied. The GC-MS analysis of the acetone extract revealed the presence of five major compounds.