Isolation of Catechins from Roscoea purpurea

Background: Roscoea purpurea also known as Kakoli is an endangered species of “Ashtawarga” group which faces immense identification and authentication crisis in Ayurvedic literature. Due to less availability and high medicinal value of Kakoli plant, adulteration and substitution was done by drug manufacturers. Objectives: This scientific investigation was carried out to isolate discrete and specific chemical compounds from Kakoli using chromatographic and spectral analysis techniques for quality standardization and identification of Kakoli containing herbal formulations. Materials and Methods: The methanol root extract of plant was used for phytochemical screening and isolation of marker compounds. Two compounds with Rf values 0.51 and 0.73 respectively were isolated and purified by using mobile phase ethyl acetate: n-hexane: formic acid (07: 03: 0.1 v/v/v). Characterization of isolated compounds was done with help of melting point and spectral analysis. Results: The blackish brown methanol extract showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolic phytosterols and amino acid. The final isolated compounds were of off white and yellowish white with melting point range of 217-220°C and 239- 242°C respectively and molecular ion peak at m/z 329 (M+Na) and at 291 (M+H) being according to the proposed structure of Epigallocatechin and Epicatechin respectively. Conclusion: In present study Epigallocatechin and Epicatechin were isolated for the first time and may prove potential tools for differentiation and accurate identification of the authentic plant from its official substitutes and cheap common adulterants.