Phytochemical Screening and Alkaloid Identification of Cabomba furcata

Abstract

Ekor Kucing (Cabomba furcata) is a dominating water plant, which is rapidly proliferating in Lake Chini, Pahang, Malaysia. If left uncontrolled, the prevalence of this plant would threaten other plants, such as by inhibiting the growth of lotus (Nelumbo niciferaandNympae lotus). It is also suspected as being a cause of pollution in Lake Chini. Steps to eradicate or controlC. furcataplants first require a comprehensive study of its phytochemical content through methods of chemical screening, extraction/fractionation and analysis of individual compounds. Phytochemical screening carried out on the extracts detected flavonoid, saponin and alkaloid groups, but not triterpene and tannin. Different extraction yields were obtained from various plant parts, with the highest yield (%g/g sample) obtained before and after alkaloid fractionation were from the leaf (10.1%, 6.9%), followed by stem (9.6%, 4.5%) and flower (0.8%, 0.5%). Identification of alkaloids inC. furcataextracts by TLC showed the presence of nicotine, tomatine, thebaine and quinine.