Phytochemical analysis of the rhizomes of Bergenia ciliata (How) Sternb.

Bergenia ciliata of family Saxifragaceae is known as Kodiya or Pashanbheda in Dhanolti (Uttranchal). It is a second good source of bergenin after Bergenia ligulata. It has many medicinal properties such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic. B. ciliata is used mainly for kidney disorder. Its phytochemical constituents are Gallic acid, Tannic acid, (-)-3-0- Galloylepicatechin, (-)-3-0-Galloylcatechin, (+)-Catechin, Gallicin. The bioactive compounds that are produced by plants are collectively called as Phytochemicals. The phytochemical ingredients are plant derived compounds which protect the plants from environmental stresses, including insects, bacteria, fungus and weather changes. Though phytochemicals are not considered essential nutrients, it has become apparent that they offer many health benefits to the plants. It is well-known that plants produce these chemicals to protect themselves but recent research demonstrates that they can also protect humans against diseases. There are more than thousand known phytochemicals and they offer protection to many chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and alzheimer's. The aim of the present study is to examine B. ciliata rhizomes for phytochemical profile. Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents and quantitative analysis of total saponins and alkaloids were determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids ects. It is expected that the important phytochemical properties recognized by our study in the indigenous medicinal plants will be very useful in the curing of various diseases when taken along with our food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]