Phytoconstituents, proximate and mineral composition of Semecarpus anacardium L. an ethnomedicinal plant

Semecarpus anacardium L. (Family: Anacardiaceae) is a deciduous tree. It is well known for its medicinal properties and used as highly potent Ayurvedic medicine. The fruit is reported to be astringent, antirheumatic, carminative and vesicant. The oil obtained from the nut is used in rheumatic pain. The plant is having high ash content and low moisture content. Phytochemical composition of various extracts of plant parts and minerals were investigated. The results showed presence of secondary constituents comprising of alkaloids (3.18, 1.33 and 2.63 mg/100gm), flavonoids (2.12, 1.12 and 1.78 mg/100g) and phenols (3.22, 1.81 and 2.43mg/100gm) in roots, stems and leaves respectively. The plant is good source of minerals like Sulphur (S), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Phosphorus (P) and Iron (Fe). The IR and NMR spectroscopic analysis of petroleum extract revealed the presence of different functional groups.