1.

INTRODUCTION
There has been a pronounced switchover in the general drift regarding selection of
medicines from synthetic to herbal, showing the humans "Return to Nature" in recent times.
Medicinal plants have been well known for being idealistic and are extremely important
all over the world as a rich source of therapeutic agents for the inhibition and treatment of
diseases and ailments (Sharma et al, 2008). Generally about 3000 plants have been
recognized and reported for their high pharmacological properties. Europe and Israel have
focused on native traditional medicines and spent $5 billion each year for research on their
pharmacological applications, as a result of which synthetic chemotherapeutic drugs have
mostly been substituted by traditional medicines. According to World Health Organization
(WHO), traditional medicines have been reliable by the people of developing countries for
chief health care practices and as well as an important source for the discovery of new
drugs (Seth and Sharma, 2004).
Plants are crucial components of most traditional medicinal formulas. Early scholars
reported thorough experimentation and careful observations about natural remedies. For
instance, Al-Razi thought about the complexity and possible side effects of the
medications. Thus, he stated in his book, ‘If the physician is able to treat with nutrients,
not medication, then he has succeeded. If, however, he must use medication, then it should
be simple remedies and not compound ones’ (Tschanz, 1998; Tibi, 2006).
Indigenous medicine is now recognized by WHO as an important healthcare resource due
to its effectiveness and affordable cost. About 74% of all plant derived drugs in worldwide
clinical uses have been discovered (Gulshan et al, 2012).

1.1 INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Plants also play an important role in the treatment of infectious diseases throughout the
world. Agents, such as (bacteria, viruses, fungi, rickettsiae) and parasites (worms,
protozoa, and arthropods) infect or infest various tissues and organs of animal and humans.
Plants provide natural products that are used against infectious diseases (Walter et al,
2011). Among these, diseases of bronchial tract including cough and pneumonia are most
common.
PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED JOSHANDA INGREDIENTS

1.2 JOSHANDA AS TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

Joshanda is a polyherbal product, commonly practicing in inflammation of upper
respiratory tract as tea. The decoction of the product showed profound activity against
Gram positive tested pathogens especially S. aureus 36.5 mm zone of inhibition at 8.0
μg/ml. However, it was inactive against C. albicans. It had potent phytotoxic activity
(75%). Phytochemical studies of Joshanda showed the presence of various
pharmacologically active groups.
Phytochemicals are known to possess antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiuretic,
anti-inflammatory, and radio protective activity (Wong et al, 2009), and due to these
properties, they are largely used and given preference for medicinal purpose. These
phytochemical acts as natural antibiotics by preventing lipid peroxidation or by iron
deprivation, hydrogen bonding, or specific interactions with vital proteins such as enzymes
in microbial cells.
Phytochemical screening of these phytodrugs is a step towards 'cure by nature'. “Joshanda”,
a Persian word with a meaning “prepare by boiling”. Unani medicines are usually taken as
aqueous extracts containing some water-soluble organic principles and mostly inorganic
ion compounds. The most frequently used formulation of joshanda consists of seven
ingredients as shown in table below.

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PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED JOSHANDA INGREDIENTS

Table 1: MAIN CONSTITUENTS OF JOSHANDA

Scientific name Common name Parts used
Althea officinalis Marshmallow Seed

Rosa indica Rose Flower

Glycyrrhiza glabra Mulethi Root

Mentha piperita Mint Leaves

Zizyphus jujuba Unnab Dried fruit

2. PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS
Phytochemical analysis of selected ingredients was done for determination of important
constituents present in prepared extracts via standard methods (Harborne, 1978; Harborne,
1973; Trease and Evans, 1989) by Samreen (2015)

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PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED JOSHANDA INGREDIENTS

Table 2 Detection of phytochemicals present in selected ingredients

Plants Flav Alk Phenol Sap St Tann Trit
Althea officinalis + - +++ - + ++ -
Rosa indica + + +++ - - +++ -
Glycyrrhiza glabra ++ + + - + - -
Mentha piperita ++ + +++ + - +++ +++
Zizyphus jujuba + + + - + + +
+++ Intense coloration or ppt, ++ Moderate, + extremely light, - Not detected.
Flav= Flavonoids, Alk= Alkaloids, Phenol= Phenolics, Sap= Saponins, St= Steroids, Tann= Tannins, Trit=
Triterpenoids.

Alkaloids determination
For the testing of alkaloids Dragendroff’s test was used. So, 2 ml sulphuric acid was added
in 2 ml plant extract and then filtered it. After the filtration, few drops of Dragendroff’s
reagent were added in solution. Orange to reddish coloration were formed which is
indication of alkaloids presence.
Flavonoids determination
(a) Alkaline Reagent test was used to detect the flavonoids presence in sample, for this
purpose 2-4 drops of (10%NaOH) were added in extract solution, yellow colour was which
disappeared after addition of dilute acid.
(b) 1 ml of (5% AlCl3) was added in sample solution. Appearance of yellow colour was
the indication of flavonoids.
Phenolics determination
Ferric Chloride test was used to detect the phenolics presence in selected samples. In 1 ml
plant extract, 2 drops of 5% FeCl3 were added. Greenish precipitation was formed which
is the indication of phenolics.
Saponins determination
Distilled water (2ml) was added in sample extract (2ml) and shaken vigorously. Froth
formation was the indication of saponins.

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PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED JOSHANDA INGREDIENTS

Tannins determination
Potassium dichromate test was used for detection of Tannins in sample extract. 10 %
potassium dichromate (1ml) was added in extract (5ml). Yellow precipitation formation
was the indication of tannins. Freshly prepared 10 % KOH (1 ml) was added in plant extract
(1ml). Dirty white precipitation was the indication of tannins.
Steroids determination
In plant extract (2 ml), 5 drops of conc. H2SO4 was added. Red coloration was the
indication of steroids.
Triterpenes determination
In plant extract (2 ml), 5 drops of conc. H2SO4 was added. Blue green coloration was the
indication of triterpenes.

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PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED JOSHANDA INGREDIENTS

Table 3 Qualitative analysis of phytochemicals in selected joshanda

ingredients
Phytochemical Test End point Result
Alkaloids Dragendroff’s test Orange to Red Colour

Flavonoids Alkaline Reagent Yellow

test

Phenolics Ferric Chloride Greenish precipitation

test

Saponins Water test Froth formation

Tannins Potassium Dirty white precipitation

dichromate test

Steroids Sulphuric acid Red coloration

test
Triterpenes Sulphuric acid Blue green coloration

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PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED JOSHANDA INGREDIENTS

2.1 PHYTOCHEMICALS PRESENTS IN SELECTED PLANTS OF JOSHANDA

2.1.1 ALTHEA OFFICINALIS

Althea officinalis, commonly known as marshmallow, is a perennial herbaceous plant that
belongs to the Malvaceae family. This plant is native to Europe and Asia and is well-known
for its historical use in traditional medicine.
It is used in catarrh of the mouth and throat, gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract
complains, as well as for inflammation, ulcers, abscesses, burns, constipation and diarrhea
(SM et al., 2011).
Phytochemicals in Althea officinalis
Althea officinalis, commonly known as marshmallow, is a plant that contains various
phytochemicals, which are naturally occurring compounds found in plants. Some of the
phytochemicals present in Althea officinalis include:
Flavonoids: Flavonoids are a class of plant compounds known for their antioxidant
properties. Althea officinalis contains flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, which may
contribute to its potential health benefits.
Tannins: The specific type of tannin found in Althea officinalis (marshmallow) is
gallotannins known for their astringent and antioxidant properties. These tannins in
marshmallow can contribute to its potential therapeutic effects, particularly in soothing and
providing relief for various mucous membrane-related issues.
Phenolic compounds: Phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids, are also found in
marshmallow. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Steroids: Althea officinalis, commonly known as marshmallow, contains a natural steroid

called "beta-sitosterol." Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol that is found in various plant species
and has potential health benefits, such as reducing cholesterol levels and inflammation.

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PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED JOSHANDA INGREDIENTS

Table 4 Phytochemicals of Althea officinalis

Althea officinalis

Flavonoids
(Kaempferol and Quercetin)

Tannins
(Gallotanin)

Phenolic compound
( Phenolic acid)

Steroids
(Beta-sitosterol)

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PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED JOSHANDA INGREDIENTS

2.1.2 ROSA INDICA

Rosa is the perennial plant of the genus Rosa, with in the family Rosacea. There are over
100 species of roses. They form a group of erect shrubs and climbing plants, with stem
armed, with sharp pickles. Rosa indica, commonly known as the Indian rose or Himalayan
rose, reveals the presence of various bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal
and cosmetic properties. These compounds are responsible for the aroma, color, and
potential health benefits associated with this species of rose.
Rose tea (petals and leaves brewed as a tea) can bring down fever. It can also relief
bronchial and chest congestion, provide relief from a sour throat and stop runny nose. It
has also anti-bacterial activity. (Manjari et al., 2011).
Phytochemical analysis of Rosa indica
Roses are not only known for their beauty and fragrance but also for their potential health
benefits due to the presence of various phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are natural
compounds found in plants that can have positive effects on human health.
Flavonoids: Flavonoids are a group of polyphenolic compounds that contribute to the
vibrant color of roses. They have antioxidant properties and may have potential health
benefits.
Terpenoids: Certain terpenoids found in Rosa indica may contribute to its fragrance and
have potential therapeutic properties. Examples include citronellal and limonene.
Alkaloids: While present in smaller quantities, alkaloids like quinoline have been
identified in Rosa indica. Alkaloids can have various pharmacological activities.
Phenolic Acids: These compounds, such as caffeic acid and ferulic acid, have antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory properties.

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PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED JOSHANDA INGREDIENTS

Table 5 Phytochemicals of Rosa indica

Rosa indica

Flavonoids
(Quercetin and Kaempferol)

Terpenoids
(Citronellal and Limonene)

Alkaloids
(Quinoline)

Phenolic acids
(Caffeic acid and Ferulic
acid)

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PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED JOSHANDA INGREDIENTS

2.1.3 GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA

G. glabra is a traditional herb occurring in various parts of the world. The term Glycyrrhiza
has been derived from ancient Greek word glykos, meaning sweet and rhiza, meaning root
(Lakshmi and Geetha, 2011). G. glabra, also known as liquorice and sweet wood, is native
to the Mediterranean and Middle East. It was one of the most widely known medicines in
ancient history, and records of its use include Assyrian tablets of around 2000 BC (Olukoga
and Donaldson, 1998). G. glabra roots have anti- inflammatory (Yokota et al., 1998),
antioxidant (Ju et al., 1989) and expectorant (Lata, 2011) properties.

Phytochemical analysis of Glycyrrhiza glabra

Phytochemicals in licorice give it its characteristic flavor and are responsible for many of
its traditional medicinal uses. It reveals the presence of various bioactive compounds,
including:

Flavonoids: Licorice contains several flavonoids, such as liquiritin and isoliquiritin, which
have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Saponins: Licorice contains saponins, such as glycyrrhizin which is associated with its
medicinal properties, like soothing coughs and promoting skin health.

Terpenoids: These compounds, such as glycyrrhetinic acid, have anti-inflammatory and

antimicrobial effects and are used in various skincare products.

Phenolics: Licorice contains lignans, including licoisoflavone B, which are a type of

phenolic compound with potential antioxidant and estrogenic effects.

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PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED JOSHANDA INGREDIENTS

Table 6 Phytochemicals of Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Flavonoids
(Liquiritin and Isoliquiritin)

Saponins
( Glycyrrhizin)

Terpenoids
(Glycyrrhetinic acid)

Phenolics
(Licoisoflavone B)

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PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED JOSHANDA INGREDIENTS

2.1.4 MENTHA PIPERITA

M. piperita L. (Peppermint) is a perennial glabrous and strongly scented herb belonging
to family Lamiaceae (Sujana et al., 2013). Peppermint is a hybrid mint, a cross between
water mint (M. aquatica) and spearmint (M. spicata). The plant is indigenous in Europe
and now widespread in cultivation throughout all regions of the world. It is found wild
occasionally with its parent species (Meenatchisundaram et al. 2009). It is a well-known
herbal remedy used for a variety of symptoms and diseases. In the popular medicines, it is
used to treat nausea, flatulence, vomiting, indigestion, stomach cramps. Various biological
activities have been reported for species of Mentha, such as antibacterial (Oyedeji and
Afolayan, 2006; Hajlaoui et al, 2008). Mentha spp. possesses antioxidant properties due to
menthone, menthol, flavonoids, rosmarinic acid and carvone (Padmini et al., 2010).

Phytochemical analysis of Mentha piperita

Mentha piperita, commonly known as peppermint, is a plant that contains various

phytochemicals, contributing to its aroma, flavor, and potential health benefits. Some of
the key phytochemicals found in peppermint include:

Flavonoids: Peppermint contains flavonoids like eriocitrin and hesperidin, which have
antioxidant properties and may play a role in the potential health benefits of peppermint.

Phenolics: Rosmarinic acid is a well-known phenolic compound found in mint leaves. It

has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is associated with potential health
benefits.

Tannins: Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) contains various types of tannins, but one of the
prominent tannins found in this herb is ellagitannin. Peppermint contains tannins, which
have astringent properties and may play a role in its traditional use for digestive issues.

Terpenoids: These include compounds like limonene and cineole, which contribute to the
plant's aroma and may have potential health benefits.

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PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED JOSHANDA INGREDIENTS

Table 6 Phytochemicals of Mentha piperita

Mentha piperita

Flavonoids
(Eriocitrin and Hesperidin)

Phenolics
( Rosmarinic acid)

Tannins
( Ellagitannin)

Terpenoids
(Limonene and Cineole)

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PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED JOSHANDA INGREDIENTS

2.1.5 ZIZIPHUS JUJUBE

Z. jujuba has been known as a native fruit in China for at least 4,000 years (Gao et al.,
2013). Now days, jujubes have flourished and are widely distributed in Asia, Australia and
Europe (Huang et al., 2008). Z. jujuba, called as Red date, Chinese date, and Ber. The Z.
jujube fruit has been described to the "fruit of life" and used in traditional Chinese medicine
(Naik et al., 2013). Now days it is observed that this genus is represented by 100 species
through the world but in Pakistan 6 species are indigenous (Kaleem et al., 2014).Chemical
analyses of jujube fruit have shown high levels of flavonoids, (Pawlowska et al., 2009),
total phenolics and antioxidant activity (Li et al., 2007; Kamilolu et al., 2009).

Phytochemical analysis of Ziziphus Jujube

Ziziphus jujuba, commonly known as jujube or Chinese date, contains a variety of

phytochemicals that contribute to its potential health benefits and culinary uses. Some of
the key phytochemicals found in Ziziphus jujuba include:

Flavonoids: Jujube contains flavonoids such as quercetin and rutin, which have
antioxidant properties and may help protect cells from oxidative stress.

Saponins: Jujubosides are found in jujube and have been associated with various health
benefits, including potential anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering effects.

Triterpenoids: Compounds like betulinic acid and ursolic acid are triterpenoids found in
jujube and are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Phenolic Compounds: Phenolic compounds like caffeic acid play a role in the fruit's
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

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PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED JOSHANDA INGREDIENTS

Table 7 Phytochemicals of Ziziphus jujuba

Ziziphus jujuba

Flavonoids
( Quercetin and Rutin)

Saponins
(Jujubosides)

Triterpenoids
( Betulinic acid and Ursolic acid)

Phenolic compounds
( Caffeic acid)

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