Análise da prospecção fitoquímica da espécie Ziziphus cotinifolia Reissek

ABSTRACT: Medicinal plant is any plant that, in some way, can help in the treatment of a health problem, inhibiting the disease and reducing symptoms, or one that has its scientifically proven effectiveness. They have therapeutic properties due to complex chemical substances of different compositions, where these substances contain secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and saponins. Plants of the genus Ziziphus, according to the literature and popular use, are highlighted due to their versatility, usually with nutritional and medicinal potential. Ziziphus cotinifolia Reissek is endemic to Brazil, exclusively present in the caatinga. Scientific records on medicinal and / or phytochemical properties of the species Z.cotinifolia are scarce. Thus, the objective was to perform a phytochemical screening test, in order to identify the secondary metabolite groups of the plant species under study, with the part of the plant collected for the test being the stem bark. The extract was prepared in 35 ml of distilled water to obtain an aqueous solution. Seven 3 ml portions of each solution were separated and placed in test tubes, duly identified. Subsequently, a further 10 mL portion was separated, placed in a beaker and heated in a water bath until the liquid part had completely evaporated. According to the applied methodology, the results would be evaluated by means of precipitation, coloring and foaming reactions. With the performance of phytochemical screening, it was possible to see groups of chemical compounds from the secondary metabolism of anthocyanin and anthocyanidin plants, free pentecyclic triterpenoids and saponins. Phytochemical analysis provides data on the presence or absence of secondary metabolites in plants, allowing the isolation of the active ingredients essential for new herbal medicines. KEYWORDS: Juazeiro, secondary metabolites, screening.