(Phytochemical Studies on Corchorus olitorius L. (Tiliaceae) and Gladiolus segetum ker-Gawl (lridaceae

Abstract

Corchorus olitorius L. is an annual herb belonging to family Tiliaceae. It is wild or cultivated as potherb in every part in northern to tropical Africa, India and Pakistan. In folk medicine the leaves of the plant is used in treatment of constipation in addition to other diseases. Olitoriside which is a cardiac glycoside obtained from the seeds of the plant markedly improve cardiac insufficiencies. Gladiolus segetum Ker-Gawl is an annual herb belonging to family Iridaceae. It spreads in tropical and So:uth Africa, others spread through out central Europe, Mediterranean and oriental regions. Basically it is used as ornamental plant. It has been reported that bulbs of some species used in folk medicines as a remedy for dysentery, impotence and for relief of rheumatic pain. This study includes:

- Introduction.

- Materials, apparatus and techniques.

- Part 1:

Phytochemical investigation of seeds and seedlings of Corchorus olitorius L.: This part includes four chapters:

Chapter 1: Phytochemical screening of Corchorus olitorius L.

This chapter includes:

- Preliminary phytochemical screenmg of seeds of Corchorus olitorius L. which showed the presence of cardiac glycosides in addition to carbohydrates and/or glycosides, unsaturated sterols and/or glycosides in addition to cardiac glycosides which is the major