Preeti P. Mehta

Caralluma is a succulant plant, made into pickles, curry and also eaten as raw in the treatment of diabetes. The plant also reported to have anti-inflammatory, antinocicepive, antiulcer and gastroprotective activity. Tribals use the plant as a famine food. Hence it is necessary to investigate physicochemical and quantitative phytochemical parameters of the plant. Phytochemical study revealed presence of saponin, flavonoid, carbohydrates, proteins, vit. C, hence they were quantitatively determined. Haemolytic activity, using healthy human volunteer blood, was performed. C. adscendens is a vegetable of daily use. The calorific value, determined by Bomb calorimeter. From the result of quantitative determination and higher calorific value, the plant is said to have good neutraceutical potential. Saponin content may responsible for various reported activities.