Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Characterization of Leaf Extracts of Mimosa pudica (Mimosaceae)

Mimosa pudica is a plant of the Mimosaceae family which is a family composed of several species. It has many pharmacological properties described in Ayurvedic medicine, including the hepatoprotective property which is the subject of this study. The objective of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the secondary metabolites presents in M. pudica leaf extracts. After performing an extraction according to the methods described by Fonmboh et al, we carried out a qualitative analysis in each extract according to the methods described by Shaik et al. The quantitative analysis consisted of a determination of each metabolite in comparison with references.

This study was able to show the presence of metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols in leaves extracts. The quantification of these metabolites showed a much higher concentration of alkaloids in the extract obtained by hydro-ethanolic maceration of 698.33 ± 8.82µg/ml, in the extract obtained by decoction a higher concentration of polyphenols and flavonoids respectively of 193.87 ± 12.66 µg/ml and 72.90 ± 2.45 µg/ml. This study demonstrated a promising richness in secondary metabolites in M.pudia leaf extracts qualitatively and quantitatively.