Thin layer chromatographic analysis for various secondary metabolites in the methanolic leaf and root extracts of Hypochaeris radicata L.

Hypochaeris radicata, an edible perennial herb is native of Europe has many medicinal uses which include antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiinflammatory and anticancer activities. The study was aimed at to investigate the phytochemical constituents present in the leaf and root extracts of H. radicata by thin layer chromatography. The results of the study revealed the presence of phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids and glycosides in the leaf and root extracts of this species. Further, the thin layer chromatographic profiles may serve as characteristic fingerprint for leaf and root extracts of H. radicata. It could be concluded that as the species, H. radicata contained rich variety of phytochemicals, it can be used for drug preparations in pharmaceutical industries.