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Abstract

Analyses were carried out on latex obtained from twenty one plant species belonging to Khandesh region of Maharashtra, India, for the presence of possible secondary metabolites, namely alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, cynogenic glycosides, phenolics, tannins and saponins. Phenolic compounds were found in all latex samples except in Ipomoea carnea Jacq. Seventy six percent species of laticiferous plants contain alkaloid. Terpenoids were found in the latex of Carica papaya L. and Manilkara zapota (L.) P. van Royen only however, remaining plants were devoid. Cynogenic glycosides and tannins were detected in 52 % and 48 % of latex samples respectively. Flavonoids and saponins were detected in equal number of latex samples i.e. 38 %. Out of this, four species of Apocynaceae and single species of Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae, Carricaceae, Convolvulaceae etc. showed flavonoid. While three species of Euphorbiaceae, two species of Apocynaceae and Moraceae and single species of Asclepiadaceae showed saponin. The moisture and total solid content varies from species to species in latex samples analyzed. Euphorbia prunifolia Jacq. had highest level of moisture i.e. 93.33% and less solid content i.e. 6.67% whereas Euphorbia hirta L. had lowest level of moisture i.e.63.63% and highest content of total solid i.e. 36.37%. The results suggest that, the laticiferous plants would be exploited in the management of various diseases as they have diverse group of secondary metabolites.

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