Preliminary Phytochemical Evaluation of Euphorbia Fusiformis Buch-Ham

The present investigation was undertaken to analyze the physicochemical and chromatographic profile of dried tuberous roots of Euphorbia fusiformis. Physicochemical parameters like loss on drying, total ash value, acid insoluble ash, water insoluble ash, various extractive values, pH etc., were carried out. Further, qualitative tests for various functional groups like alkaloids, glycosides etc., were carried out in methanol and water extracts. The results of the preliminary phytochemical screening indicated the presence of carbohydrates, starch, flavanoids and steroids. Thin layer chromatography was carried out using different solvent systems which revealed two common spots indicating the presence of some common phyto-constituents. The parameters of present study can be used as a reference for further scientific investigations.