Phytochemical investigation of Ajuga iva, Matricaria chamomilla and Ruta chalepensis from Algerian steppe (Djelfa district)

In the present study, three medicinal plants in Djelfa district (Algerian steppe), such as Ruta chalepensis, Ajuga iva and Matricaria chamomilla, were investigated for the presence of phytochemicals (secondary metabolites) i.e. alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, coumarins, carbohydrates, terpenoids, anthraquinones, etc. The phytochemical screening was studied by extracting the aerial parts of the plants with different solvents like methanol, acetone, petroleum ether, chloroform and distilled water. The results show the presence of most of the phytochemical components in methanolic extract due to high solubility of active compounds when compared to other solvents. Based on these results, these plants have a great importance as an efficient source of therapeutic agents.