High-performance Thin Layer Chromatography (hptlc) Method for the Determination of Some Amino Acids from Two Species of Marchantia

The objective of the present study is to develop a rapid HPTLC method for the identification, separation and quantification of some amino acids from two species of Marchantia. Three different mobile phases were used for the separation and estimation of eight amino acids (alanine, glycine, methionine, threonine, valine, leucine, histidine and isoleucine). The HPTLC analysis of Marchantia palmata and M. nepalensis, showed the presence of all the eight amino acids. The content of all the amino acids in Marchantia nepalensis were higher than M. palmata. Of all the amino acids, the glycine content (0.417 mg/g dw in Marchantia nepalensis and 0.287 mg/g dw in M. palmata) was found to be maximum and valine content (0.053 mg/g dw in Marchantia nepalensis and 0.031 mg/g dw in M. palmata) was found minimum. The presence and content of amino acids in the liverworts has been for the first time evaluated by a modern technique like HPTLC. This method provides an important tool for the quantitative evaluation of important amino acids and gives more accurate results than the conventional ones reported in the literature. INTRODUCTION: The genera of family Marchantiaceae are well known in traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and used to treat skin diseases, protect liver and treat hepatitis. In some regions of China these are also used as antipyretic 1-3 . Many studies on the antimicrobial activities of many species of Marchantia such as M. polymorpha, M. convoluta and M. paleacea were reported 4, 5 . Many Marchantia species were studied for the bioactive components, particularly the conjugated polyphenols 6 . In ancient China Marchantia species had been used as herbal medicines. Marchantia polymorpha was used to cure cuts, fractures, poisonous snake bites, burns, scalds and open wounds and it has antipyretic, antihepatic, antidotal, diuretic activity 7 . QUICK RESPONSE CODE DOI: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.5(12).5328-33 Article can be accessed online on: www.ijpsr.com DOI link: http://dx.doi.org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.5(12).5328-33 The thick paste of M. palmata thalli is directly applied during acute inflammation caused by the touch of fire and hot water 8 . To cure skin borne allergies Marchantia linearis is used by Wayanad Kurichya, Kattunaikkans tribes 9 . Chemical constituents and bioactivities of M. convoluta were evaluated in many studies which reported the presence of flavonoids, triterpenoids and steroids 10 . From Marchantia emarginata bis(bibenzyl and Humulane-type sesquiterpenes 11 and from M. polymorpha Marchantin A, a macrocyclic bisbibenzyl ether that inhibits protozoal growth in-vitro were isolated and characterized 12 . Amino acids are organic substances containing both amino and acid groups. They are building blocks of proteins and required by the human body as they act as precursors of other nitrogen containing compounds, e.g., nucleic acids. Phenylalanine, valine, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, histidine, threonine and