Phytochemical analysis of wild plant of Rheum Webbianum L species a potential medicinal plant utilized by humans

Abstract

In modern medicines, the plants are either directly used as medicine or provide bioactive compounds or raw
material for semi synthetic drugs or as markers for discovery of new bioactive compounds. R. webbianum is used for
treatment of indigestion, abdominal disorders, boils, wounds and flatulence. It improves the memory of senile patients.
The present study was carried out in the Kupwara Forest divisions in three different altitudes site 1=1800m, site 2= 2700m
and site 3= 3500m. The species was identified by consulting the herbarium specimens and published data. Extraction of
plant material The powdered roots and rhizomes of each sample (25 g) were charged in a soxhlet apparatus and extracted
with 500 ml of HPLC methanol on water bath. All the data were subjected to two-way ANOVA analysis and Bonferroni
multiple comparison test. Total carbohydrates were seen decreasing significantly with increasing altitude for both the
years with maximum value at Site 1 42.4mg/g) during 1
st
year and minimum value at study Site 3= 3500m (30.5mg/g)
during 2nd year, that is, the carbohydrate content was observed to be highest in low and mid elevations and lowest in high
elevation. Total flavonoid content increased in high altitude areas. Moisture was screened in roots, leaves and callus of
Rheum species. The moisture was least at Study Site 1= 1800m as 5.8% and highest at Study Site 3= 3500m as 6.7%.
Crude fiber and crude fat in our study were observed in higher amounts at high altitude in comparison to the middle and
low elevation. Due to high medicinal value, it is being over exploited and has been included in red list of threatened
species of IUCN, thus necessitating the need for conservation and cultivation.