Phytochemical Profile of Saribus rotundifolius (Anahaw) Crude Extract Found in the University of Eastern Philippines

Phytochemical profiling focuses on the determination of the secondary metabolite present on a sample. Aims: In this research, a phytochemical profiling was done in Saribus rotundifolius (Anahaw) leaves and fruit crude extracts. Short Research Article Dagalea et al.; JPRI, 33(38A): 250-253, 2021; Article no.JPRI.68500 251 Methodology: This study determines the secondary metabolites; alkaloid, tannin, flavonoid, cardiac glycoside, saponin, and terpenoid. The samples were cut into pieces and was submerged in an ethanol solution for the extract of crude extract and undergo a rotary evaporator for the separation of the ethanol solvent. Results: The finding showed that the anahaw leaves and fruit crude extract contains secondary metabolites present in both leaves and fruit crude extracts, that can be used in pharmaceutical and drug development, this includes an anti-microbial potential.


INTRODUCTION
Anahaw is a non-timber forest species with great economic potentials. The palm grows widely throughout the Philippines. Anahaw grows in a wide range of climate but prefers humid and moist conditions. As a tropical palm, it requires warm temperature and prefers clay and clayloam soils. Its orbicular, fan-shaped leaves or fronds and pleated leaf blades are good roofing and fan-making materials while its trunks are preferred for constructing low-cost houses, particularly in rural areas [1]. It is considered as an ornamental and medicinal plant and its nuts are eaten when young and green [2].
Evidence suggests that compounds, especially from natural sources are capable of providing protection against free radicals [3]. The study concluded that natural resources, such as plant samples, contain active components antioxidants and antimicrobial -that can be use in the development of drugs or its coating. In this research, anahaw leaves and fruit crude extracts were subjected to phytochemical profiling to determine the secondary metabolites that can be used in pharmaceutical and drug development.

METHODOLOGY
The researchers collected the anahaw sample in the vicinity of the University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar during the months of September to November where the plant sample is abundant and yielded its fruits. The researchers collected the young leaves and young fruits of the sample. After it was washed it was air-dried in an ambient room for five (5) days to remove the excess water. After it was dried, it was grinded into smaller pieces and was soaked in an ethanol solution (95%) for three (3) days in an ambient room temperature. A rotary evaporator with a temperature of 45°C±5 was used to isolate the crude extracts from the parts of the plant. It was then subjected for a phytochemical profiling to know if the plant sample contains alkaloids, tannin, flavonoid, cardiac glycoside, saponin, and terpenoids [5].

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The following data revealed the secondary metabolites present in the anahaw plant sample. In the six phytochemical profile tests done with anahaw, four (4) phytochemical profile yielded a positive result.
Tannins are water-soluble polyphenols that are present in many plants. They are responsible for the decreases in feed intake, growth rate, feed efficiency, net metabolizable energy, and protein digestibility [6]. Cardiac glycoside has been used to treat cardiovascular disorders for they possess anticancer activities [7]. Saponin possess antitumorigenic effect that can be used in combating the spread of tumor [8]. Terpenes or terpenoid are considered to have a wide range of medicinal uses among are antiplasmodial activity, antiviral property, anticancer, and antidiabetic reagents [9].

CONCLUSION
Anahaw, a round-leaf fountain palm contains secondary metabolites that can be used in pharmaceutical or drug development. The leaves and fruit sample tested positive for tannin, cardiac glycoside, saponin, and terpenoid. The positive indication of these secondary metabolites suggests that anahaw has a promising properties that could be developed and research further. It is suggested that a robust profiling must be done to the plant sample to quantify the active components present on it through the elucidation in H-and C-NMR and also the nutraceutical profile of the plant sample.

CONSENT
It is not applicable.

ETHICAL APPROVAL
It is not applicable.