Screening and Partial Characterization of Secondary Metabolite of Salacia korthalsiana Miq. (Polipog) Root Decocted Extract
Mary Jane Madario
Department of Physical Sciences, College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar 6400, Philippines.
Merle N. Tonog
Department of Physical Sciences, College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar 6400, Philippines.
Karina Milagros C. Lim *
Department of Physical Sciences, College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar 6400, Philippines and University Research Office, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar 6400, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A cough is a sudden and often repetitive reflex that helps clear the air passages from secretions, irritants, and foreign particles, including microbes. Coughing can be due to a respiratory tract infection or choking, smoking, air pollution, asthma, chronic bronchitis, medications, and a variety of many other factors which becomes an emerging health problem in the globe. This study investigated the role of Salacia korthalsiana Miq. (Polipog) root decoction as anti-coughing agent through screening and partial characterization of secondary metabolite. The physical properties determined in the root sample were: boiling point 99.3 , brownish red in color with a pleasant odor; pH 5.86 and soluble in water and ethanol which makes the Polipog root extract polar. Phytochemical screening was used for the determination of active chemical properties for anti-cough. Further, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy were used to determine the active functional group for anti-cough. Among the chemical properties determined for anti-cough only steroids and saponins are present, which is an antitussive and expectorant agent. Fourier Transform Infrared analysis showed that the main functional groups present are: the amine and ethers, which are medically active for medicinal purposes. Therefore, Polipog roots are positively active for anti-cough.
Keywords: Anti-cough, medicinal plants partial characterization, phytochemical, Salacia korthalsiana Miq