~ 474 ~ Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2018; 7(3): 474-477 E-ISSN: 2278-4136 P-ISSN: 2349-8234 JPP 2018; 7(3): 474-477 Received: 18-03-2018 Accepted: 21-04-2018 Arti Soni Research Scholar, Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Department of Botany, Centre of Advanced Study, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India Pawan K Kasera Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Department of Botany, Centre of Advanced Study, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India Correspondence Pawan K Kasera Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Department of Botany, Centre of Advanced Study, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India Evaluation of secondary metabolites in three tuberous medicinal plants during different months from south-eastern part of Rajasthan Arti Soni and Pawan K Kasera Abstract The present paper deals with variations in total alkaloid and phenol contents during different months (June-October) in three medicinally important tuberous plants, i.e. Arisaema tortuosum, Chlorophytum tuberosum and Curculigo orchioides from south-eastern part of Rajasthan. Secondary metabolites are organic compounds that are not are known to play a major role in the adaptation of plants to their environment, but represent an important source of active pharmaceuticals. Results revealed that peak concentrations of total alkaloids in A. tortuosum and C. tuberosum were observed during August, whereas during September in C. orchioides. However, total phenols in A. tortuosum, C. orchioides and C. tuberosum were reported during October, September and June, respectively. Keywords: Sitamata wildlife sanctuary, total alkaloids, total phenols, tuberous medicinal plants Introduction Herbal medicine plays an important role in rural areas and various locally produced drugs are still being used as household remedies for different ailments. The increasing use of traditional therapies demands more scientifically sound evidence for the principles behind therapies and for effectiveness of medicines. Herbal medicine is still the mainstay of about 75 –80% of the world population, mainly in the developing countries, for primary health care because of better cultural acceptability, better compatibility with the human body and lesser side effects [1] . Kossel [2] was the first to introduce the term secondary metabolite, stating that 'whereas primary metabolites are present in every plant cell that is capable of division, whereas secondary metabolites are present only "accidentally" and are not essential for plant life'. Secondary products involved in plant defense through cytotoxicity towards microbial pathogens could prove useful as antimicrobial medicines in humans, if not too toxic. Secondary products involved in defense against herbivores through neurotoxin activity could have beneficial effects in humans, i.e. as anti-depressants, sedatives, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics through their action on the central nervous system [3] . Arisaema tortuosum (Wall.) Schott (Family: Araceae) is a tuberous herb and and is widely known for its therapeutic properties. It is widely distributed in Rhododendron forest, scrub and alpine meadows in the Himalayas, Western China, Southern India and some parts of Myanmar. Paste of the tuber is applied over the wound caused by snake-bite to check poisonous effect. Its tubers are useful in constipation, indigestion, abdominal pain, dysentery, rheumatism, stomachache, contraceptive, piles, etc, [4] . In case of abscess in the neck, dried powder of tuber is applied over the neck. The tubers are used as anti-oxidant, anti- inflammatory and anti-proliferative agent [5] . Safed musli (Chlorophytum species) holds an important position in Indian herbal medicine and their role in medicinal world dates back to classical Ayurveda references of 10 th and 11 th centuries where its particular properties such as an aphrodisiac, digestive power, rejuvenator and immunomodulator are well known [6] . C. tuberosum Baker. belongs to family Asparagaceae, is found in rainfed areas. The plant generally grows (between 1300 and 2800 m) along the forest margins, grassy slopes and rocky places along valleys [7] . It is being sold in the market under the common name Safed musali. The white tuberous roots are the medicinally useful parts. The tuberous roots of other species of Chlorophytum, Asparagus, Bombax and Orchids are also sometimes called Safed musali leading to confusion [8] . Curculigo orchioides Gaertn, a small herbal plant belonging to the family Amaryllidacea has been traditionally used in folk medicine as the tonic, alterative, demulcent, diuretic and restorative. It is widely distributed in China, India, Malaya, Japan and Australia. Curculigoside, a phenolic glycoside, is the major bioactive compound present in C. orchioides.