Proving of Desmodium elegans

Summary

Desmodium elegans is a medicinal plant commonly used for the treatment of jaundice, fever, paralysis, oedema, asthma, colds, constipation, cough, convulsion, cholecystolithiasis and urolithiasis. The present investigation commenced with various phytochemical screenings and biological studies were carried out on the bark of Desmodium elegans. Preliminary phytochemical test of the crude extract and various fractions revealed the presence of steroids, saponins, tannins, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides and caumarines. The antimicrobial activity and phytotoxicity activities of crude extract and various fractions of Desmodium elegans were investigated. Significant phytotoxic activity was observed at a higher concentration.

Key words

Proving - Desmodium elegans - Leguminosae