European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ISOLATION OF ONE COMPOUND FROM AMARANTHUS SPINOSUS L. LEAVES RESPONSIBLE FOR UV RADIATION ABSORPTION

Prasenjit Mitra, Tanaya Ghosh and Pasanta Kumar Mitra*

ABSTRACT

Since long Amaranthus spinosus linn. (A. spinous L.) is being used for treatment of several diseases. In traditional medicine the plant leaves are used to cure burns, wounds, eczema, boils, gastroenteritis, gall bladder inflammation, ulcerated mouths, colic menorrhagia, absesses, arthritis and for the treatment of snakebites. Modern researchers evaluated pharmacological activity of the plant and found that the plant has several pharmacological activities like anti cancer, anti inflammatory, anti diabetic, anti microbial, anti gastric ulcer, anti oxidant, hepato protective, gastro protective etc. Recently we have noted UV absorption property of A. spinous L. leaves and maximum absorption was found in autumn. Aim of the present work was to isolate the active compound from the plant leaves responsible for UV radiation absorption. A. spinous L. leaves were processed for isolation work by standard methodologies. After solvent extraction and acid hydrolysis followed by solvent treatment, chromatographic experiments were done. Finally a compound was crystallized. UV absorption property of the isolated compound was studied. The compound showed maximum absorption at 200 nm. The compound, therefore, may be used in the preparation of sun screen lotion.

Keywords: Amaranthus spinosus Linn. leaves, UV absorbing property, isolation of active compound, sun screen lotion.