Phytochemical contents of a local food plant Saekan (Mollugo oppositofolia Linn.) in Pandi, Bulacan

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to confirm the phytochemical contents of Saekan (Mollugo oppositofolia Linn.) The plant sample was first confirmed by the Bureau of Plant Industry with a scientific name Mollugo oppositofolia Linn. and a common name Saekan/Papait/Salsalida plant under the family Aizoaceae. The results from a phytochemical analysis of about 500 grams of dried whole plant sample in the Chemistry Laboratory of the Department of Science and Technology Region III (DOST III) Office confirmed that alkaloidal compounds, a phytochemical with antimicrobial, anthelminthic, and antidiarrheal properties were present due to the formation of turbidity or white precipitate using Meyer Test; a reddish-brown layer that turned to blue/purple showed in the Keller-Killiani Test proved the presence of glycosides which has anti-diarrheal properties; and Saponins were found to be in the plant using Froth Test due to a formation of froth which has anthelmintic, antidiarrheal, and anticancer properties.