Extraction and Purification of Secondary Metabolites of Paris polyphylla (Smith) Using Column Chromatography.

Paris polyphylla Smith is an erect and herbaceous plant. It has rich chemical constituents such steroidal saponins, phytosterols, flavonoids, and alkaloids that possess antimicrobial and anticancer activities. In the current investigation, we examined the effect of different solvents in the extraction yield and further purification via column chromatography. The ground powdered rhizomes of P. polyphylla was extracted with 100% hexane, 100% ethyl acetate, 70% ethanol, and 70% methanol. The extracts were filtered, evaporated using a rotary evaporator, concentrated, and measured. Subsequently, the solvent with high extraction yield was further purified using column chromatography. Ethanol produced the highest extraction yield as compared to the other solvents. About 30 fractions were eluted which was pooled into four fractions based on the Rf values and bands observed through thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis.