Flavonoids and Cyperus rotundus.

Cyperus rotundus Linn. (Family: Cyperaceae), commonly known as Mothais a multivalent plant widely used in traditional medicine around the world for treatment of various diseases (fever, dysentery, malaria, skin disease, diarrhoea etc.). The present study was carried out to investigate the phytochemical profile of leaves of Cyperus rotundus. The powder of the leaves of Cyperus rotundus was successively extracted with acetone, aqueous, benzene, chloroform, cyclohexane, ethylacetate and methanol. A number of biologically active compounds have been isolated from the plant. Phytochemical analysis shows the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, proteins, amino acids, phenolic compounds, tannins, steroids, anthraquinone, anthocyanin, flavonoid, saponins and alkaloid. Our findings provided evidence that crude aqueous and organic solvent extracts of these tested plants contain medicinally important bioactive compounds and it justifies their use in the traditional medicines for the treatment of different diseases. The result of the study could be useful to description and foundation of monograph of the plant. Key words:  Phytochemical analysis, Saponins, Flavonoids and Cyperus rotundus.