Phytochemical Study, Chemicalphysical Analysis and Toxicological Testing of Stem Bark of Dalbergia monetaria L. f.

Aims: Assessing the phytochemical profile, physicochemical and toxicity of crude ethanolic extract of Dalbergia monetaria L. f. against Artemia salina L.

Study Design: The study aimed to determine the major classes of secondary metabolites of plant species Dalbergia monetaria through technical and classical methodologies.

Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry of Pharmacy Course, between July 2012 and March 2013.

Methodology: The phytochemical screening of the crude ethanolic extract from the stem bark was performed according to the methodology described by Brazilian Pharmacopoeia (2010). The physicochemical analyses were performed by the Institute Aldolf Lutz (2008) and methods found in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. The toxicology test followed the method decribed in the literature.

Results: The phytochemical analysis detected reducing sugars, saponin, phenols and tannins. The physicochemical parameters, the pH, indicated the presence of a potentially acidic substance; the moisture content of = 6.81% which relates to, showed little amount of water present, an indispensable factor for non-occurrence of microorganism development or enzymatic degradation. The ash obtained by incineration was 5.65%.

Conclusion: The phytochemical analysis confirmed, in part, the use of the plant species for therapeutic purposes, but the form of treatment and conditioning can influence the determination of secondary metabolites. The physicochemical parameters evaluated have shown that the species is free from decomposing agents.