Phytochemical Screening of Leaves of Catharanthus roseus (L.)

Aims: To determine the major classes of secondary metabolites found in the leaves of Catharanthus roseus (L.).

Study Design: The study aimed to determine the major classes of secondary metabolites of plant species Catharanthus roseus through technical and classical methodologies.

Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry of Pharmacy Course, in the period between July 2013 and May 2014.

Methodology: The analyzes carried out phytochemical: organic acids, phenols and tannins, anthraquinones, organic acids, depisides and depsidones, flavonoids, triterpenoids and steroids, alkaloids, purine, polysaccharides and saponins, catechins were carried out.

Results: The results of the phytochemical analysis were positive for organic acids, reducing sugars, phenols and tannins, depsides and depsidones, steroids and triterpenoids, alkaloids and saponins.

Conclusion: According to the biological activity, cited in the literature, the metabolites present in the leaves of C. roseus (L.) is associated with its use empirical; however, its use in folk medicine is very restricted due to their high toxicity.