Pharmacognostical, Preliminary Phytochemical Evaluation and Flavonoids Content of Paederia foetida Linn.
Paederia foetida, locally (Indonesia) known as “sembukan “and “skunkvine” (English), is one of Rubiaceae
family member that has a diverse pharmacological and phytochemical importance. The name derives from the
distinct odor when the leaves are crushed. The species name “foetida” is a Latin word for “stinky” or “foul
smelling”. The current work was investigated to perform the morphoanatomical, physicochemical,
phytochemical analysis and flavonoids content of Paederia foetida Linn. Pharmacognostical studies were carried
out for different parameters include macroscopic, microscopic, and fluorescence. Physicochemical parameters,
like the loss on drying, ash value, extractive values, etc. were measured as per WHO guidelines. Preliminary
phytochemical screening was also performed for major groups of compounds and the flavonoid content. The
TLC profile of the leaves extracts (n-hexane, DCM and ethanolic) of P. foetida showed 9, 7 and 3 spots
respectively in the different solvents. The total flavonoid concentration was 1.32 mg/g, expressed as quercetin
equivalents. The various macroscopic, microscopic, physical and phytochemical parameters listed here for P.
foetida, and the present work can be used with respect to its identification, authentication, and standardization.