Question

How is the phytochemical screening of terpenoids done?

Answer 1

Phytochemical screening refers to the extraction, screening and identification of the medicinally active substances present in plants. Some of the bioactive substances that can be derived from plants are flavonoids, alkaloids, carotenoids, tannin, antioxidants and phenolic compounds.

Phytochemical screening for terpenoids

1.(One method) Oblonga stem powder was taken in a conical flask and soaked in ethyl alcohol for one day. Then it was filtered and the filtrate was extracted with petroleum ether. The ether extract was taken as the measure of total terpenoid.

2.(Another method) About 0.5 g of plant extract in separate test tube was taken with 2 ml of chloroform; 5 ml of concentrated sulphuric acid was carefully added to form a layer and observed for presence of reddish brown color interface to show positive results for the presence of terpenoid.