PHYTOCHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF ROTULA AQUATICA LOUR. ROOTS

Four compounds viz α-amyrin, β- amyrin, bauerenol and ellagic acid were isolated from the methanolic extract of Rotula aquatica roots. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis and chemical evidence. The extract was evaluated for hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxic model at a dose levels of 200,400 and 800 mg/ kg body weight and compared with that of the standard silymarin (25mg/kg body weight). It showed good hepatoprotective activity in a dose dependent manner. The extract was also screened for antimicrobial activity against various types of organisms like bacteria and fungi.