Pharmacognostic evaluation of the wild Cuban plant species Tillandsia usneoides L. (L.)

Abstract

T. usneoides (Bromeliaceae) is traditionally used as a hypoglycemic, anticancer, diuretic, emmenagogue, analgesic, purgative, among others. However, scientific information referred to in the literature on the plant is scarce and in Cuba this is the first scientific investigation on the subject. The objective of this study is to evaluate the Cuban wild plant species Tillandsia usneoides L. (L.) from a pharmacognostic point of view for its antidiabetic potential with fewer or no side effects, so it is important to scientifically validate its effectiveness and safety to guarantee its use; for which it was feasible to define a methodological procedure for standardizing the raw drug: the physicochemical parameters of the raw drug and its hydroalcoholic extracts (30%, 50% and 85%) were determined; Using the maceration method, the qualitative chemical composition was evaluated by phytochemical screening, and the hydroalcoholic extracts were analyzed by ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy. The quality parameters of the drug and its extracts were established, most of which were consistent with those reported for other medicinal plants. In the crude drug, it was possible to detect phenolic compounds, triterpenoid flavonoids, fatty compounds, saponins, catechins, quinones, anthocyanins, reducing sugars, and bitter principles. Similarity was observed in the ultraviolet-visible spectra among the three extracts, suggesting the presence of phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids. A similar appearance was also observed in the infrared spectra of the three extracts, suggesting characteristic bands of alcohols, phenols, ketones, and alkyl halides. This work provides the first findings on the pharmacognostic evaluation of the plant from Cuba.

Keywords

Tillandsia usneoides L. (L.), pharmacognosy, phytochemistry., Tillandsia usneoides L. (L.), pharmacognosy, phytochemistry

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