Screening and Partial Characterization of Secondary Metabolite of Salacia korthalsiana Miq. (Polipog) Root Decocted Extract

A cough is a sudden and often repetitive reflex that helps clear the air passages from secretions, irritants, and foreign particles, including microbes. Coughing can be due to a respiratory tract infection or choking, smoking, air pollution, asthma, chronic bronchitis, medications, and a   variety of many other factors which becomes an emerging health problem in the globe. This study investigated the role of Salacia korthalsiana Miq. (Polipog) root decoction as anti-coughing agent through screening and partial characterization of secondary metabolite. The physical properties determined in the root sample were: boiling point 99.3 , brownish red in color with a pleasant odor; pH 5.86 and soluble in water and ethanol which makes the Polipog root extract polar. Phytochemical screening was used for the determination of active chemical properties for anti-cough. Further, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy were used to determine the active functional group for anti-cough. Among the chemical properties determined for anti-cough only steroids and saponins are present, which is an antitussive and expectorant agent. Fourier Transform Infrared analysis showed that the main functional groups present are:  the amine and ethers, which are medically active for medicinal purposes. Therefore, Polipog roots are positively active for anti-cough.