Philippine E-Journals

Phytochemical Screening of the Bark, Leaf and Fruit Rind of Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum)

Vivien Leigh F. Pasicolan | Katreena R. Burlas | Gerrick James M. De Leon | Kershey S. Sales

 

Abstract:

Nephelium lappaceum is a native inhabitant of Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines where it is commonly known as rambutan. The fruits are eaten fresh or as canned products and some medicinal uses include the treatment for diarrhea, fever, dysentery, and dyspepsia. Since N. lappaceum embraces the subtropical lands, it is imperative to explore its phytochemical constituents that run throughout its different parts. Hence, the study aimed in determining the secondary metabolites such alkaloids, saponins and tannins in the barks, leaves and fruit rinds through ethanolic extraction. The extracts underwent preliminary tests using Mayer’s reagent and Dragendorff’s reagent. All the plant parts yielded definite turbidity for the Mayer’s reagent. For the Dragendorff’s reagent, the rind and the bark gave heavy precipitation and the leaves gave definite turbidity. Extracts were then subjected to confirmatory testing using the same reagents since they tested positive to preliminary test to verify the presence of alkaloids. Result revealed that alkaloids are present in the rind, leaves and bark. The rind, leaves, and bark were positive for saponins. The froth height of the rind was 1cm, the leaves were at 0.6 cm and 0.5 cm for the bark. Gelatin and ferric chloride tests were used for the detection of the presence of tannin. All plant extracts had formation of white precipitate. Ferric chloride test revealed that each extract gave a bluish black color solution. Barks, leaves and fruit rind yielded positive for alkaloids, saponins and tannins.