Phytochemistry , Pharmacognostic and HPLC profiling of Methanolic Extract of Fruits of Ficus polita Vahl *

Ficus politaVahl belongs to the well-known family of edible plants, Moraceae. The methanolic extract of the edible fruit, which is eaten traditionally for dyspepsia, infectious diseases, abdominal pains and diarrhoea, was analysed to establish its’ phytochemical and pharmacognostic profile using standard methods. The HPLC profile was also established with flavonoid reference standards. The results of phytochemical screen established the presence of carbohydrates, reducing sugars, resin, glycosides and saponins. HPLC profile suggested the presence of caffeic acid and rutin in the extract. Pharmacognostic analysis suggested that water was a better solvent for extraction than alcohols. The moisture content suggested that the fruit cannot be dried or kept dried in its natural state due to its very high moisture content of over 26%. The presence of carbohydrate and saponins indicates that the fruits or its marc may be useful as supplement in animal feeds and may be useful source of pharmacologically active compounds. The profiles established may be of chemotaxonomic importance.