Phytochemical and Chemical Characterization of Centella Asiatica and Cymbopogan Citratus Extracts

Epidemiological studies have consistently linked abundant consumption of foods of plant origin, to the reduced risk of cancer. The present study was conducted to perform the of chemical and phytochemical characterization of selected medicinal herbs Centella asiatica and Cymbopogan citratus which are commonly used in Malaysian diet. Phytochemical and chemical characterization of the plant extracts were determined by qualitative phytochemical analysis, HPLC analysis and GC-TOFMS analysis. The results from the phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of saponin, anthroquinone, flavonoid, tannin, alkaloid in Centella asiatica: reducing sugar, saponins, flavonoid, tannin, alkaloids in Cymbopogan citratus. In addition, the GC spectrum of Cymbopogan citratus indicated monoterpenes and cyclic terpenes, aromatic amine and alcohols and fatty acid methyl ester. Further, the GC spectrum of Centella asiatica indicated mono and cyclic terpenes and terpenoid alcohols, aromatic amine, alcohols and alkanes, caryophyllene and steroids. Since the major phytochemicals and chemicals identified in the tested plants are found to be chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory potential and anti-tumor potential, the plants investigated may be recommended as good candidates for cytotoxicity and antiangiogenic potential.