IDENTIFICATION OF SECONDARY METABOLITES IN THE ETHANOL EXTRACT OF GREEN AND MATURE FRUITS OF Morinda citrifolia L.

  • Cristiane Rodrigues de Lima Faculdade São Lucas
  • Renato Abreu Lima Universidade Federal do Amazonas – UFAM
Keywords: Noni, Medicinal Plant, Extraction

Abstract

Morinda citrifolia L. has been greatly researched for the cure of several diseases, amongst which cancer may be mentioned. Tests have shown its high inhibition capacity of carcinogenic cells made from fruit juice. The parts of the plants usually used for medicine are leaves, fruits and roots. Current analysis identifies secondary metabolites of free and mature fruits of M. citrifolia L. Green and mature fruits were ground in the Phytochemical Laboratory till a fine powder was obtained, extracted by solid-liquid method, using maceration method. Ethanol was the solvent for seven days, with three replications. The material was then filtered and distilled. Ethanol extract underwent phytochemical tests using specific reagents identifying alkaloids, cardiotonic glucosides, volatile cumarins, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, triterpenes and free antracenic derivatives. Results were positive for alkaloids, cardiotonic glycosides, volatile cumarins, flavanoids, tannins, triterpenes and/or steroids in the case of mature fruits. In the case of green fruits, results were positive for alkaloids, cardiotonic glycosides, volatile cumarins, flavonoids, tannins, triterpene and/ or steroids. Saponins and free derivative antracenics were not found in the two types of fruits. M. citrifolia L. fruit has secondary metabolites with high potential for the pharmacy industry since it has medicinal assets regardless of the green or mature state.

Author Biographies

Cristiane Rodrigues de Lima, Faculdade São Lucas
Acadêmica do curso de Biologia Faculdade São Lucas.
Renato Abreu Lima, Universidade Federal do Amazonas – UFAM
Doutorando em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia na Universidade Federal do Amazonas – UFAM.
Published
2013-12-12
Section
Artigos Originais