Authentication, Methanolic Extraction and Preliminary Phytochemical Profiling of Piper methysticum G. Forst. Leaves
Abstract
Piper methysticum G. Forst. (kava) is a medicinal species of the family Piperaceae whose pharmacological value depends on the identity, plant part, processing history and chemical profile of the material examined. This study was restricted to the pre-pharmacological stages of leaf authentication, crude methanolic extraction and qualitative phytochemical screening. Leaf samples were authenticated through macroscopic and taxonomical examination and were checked for foreign matter, fungal growth and visible substitution. The material was cleaned, shade-dried, pulverized and passed through a No. 40 sieve. Five hundred grams of dried leaf powder were extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus with 2.5 L of 95% methanol at 60-65 degrees C for a cumulative 24 h. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure at 40 degrees C and 80 rpm, dried at 40 degrees C for 24 h and stored at 4 degrees C. A dark-brown semisolid extract weighing 68.50 g was obtained, corresponding to a yield of 13.70%. Standard qualitative tests, performed in triplicate, detected alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, saponins, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, glycosides, steroids and terpenoids, whereas proteins and amino acids were not detected. Phenolic compounds and terpenoids gave the strongest reactions, while flavonoids, tannins, glycosides and steroids were moderately present. Overall positivity was 90.90%, with an intensity score of 18/33. The findings establish a reproducible botanical and phytochemical foundation for subsequent toxicological and neuropharmacological investigation. However, the screening remains qualitative and does not identify or quantify individual kavalactones; chromatographic standardization is therefore required before definitive chemical or therapeutic claims can be made.
How to Cite
Poonam Yadav, Sushila Kaura, "Authentication, Methanolic Extraction and Preliminary Phytochemical Profiling of Piper methysticum G. Forst. Leaves", Vol. 3, Issue 6, 25-09-2025, pp. 94-108. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21428337
