Analytical Study of Terpenoids Present in the Medicinal Extracts of Tagetes erectes L. and Tridax procumbens L. of Family Compositae

Abstract

Plant used for traditional medicine contains a wide range of substances that can be helpful to treat chronic as well as infectious diseases. Tagetes erecta L. is an annual herb with family Compositae with natural pigments from its yellow/orange flowers. Tridax procumbens L. commonaly known as coat buttons or tridax daisy belongs to flowering plant species of family asteraceac. The objective of this work is to isolate the terpenoids from the extracts of these plants, and to ascertain the curative properties of terpenoids. A subclass of prenyllipids termed as terpenoids were obtained from these dried plants by extracting essential oil by following the steam distillation method. Thereafter, the terpenoids were isolated from essential oils using organic solvents. The detection was carried out using UV-Vis spectroscopy as peaks were identified at certain wavelengths. The study revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, and other bioactive molecules. These phytochemicals may be non nutritive chemical compounds but have many health benefits as well as important properties to prevent or to fight many common diseases. They defend the plants against illness and injuries and supply to the plants quality in terms of color, odor and taste.