Phytochemical and Pesticidal Properties of Barsanga (Cyperus rotundus Linn.)

Abstract

The study was conducted to test the phytochemical screening and insecticidal testing of Barsanga (Cyperus rotundus Linn). This study made use of the experimental research design in actual laboratory set-up. Three phases were included in the pursuit of this study: the extraction process, the qualitative test (phytochemical screening) and pesticidal test. Results showed that the ethanol extracts of the leaves, stems and roots of barsanga contain therapeutic components such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and sterols. This implies that the plant is a good source of treatment for hypertension, tumor, wounds, sores, boils, stomachache, diarrhea, sore throat, burns, ulcer, nasal congestion, cough, hemorrhage, malaria, other rectal disorders, viral and fungal infections, inflammatory and cytotoxic activities. The plant is not an excellent emulsifying agent because it does not contain saponins and therefore cannot be used as detergent to replace soap. The Libermann-Burchard test for triterpenes showed negative results which implies then that barsanga is not a good source of Vitamin A. The tuber of Barsanga (Cyperus rotundus Linn.) can be made into an effective pesticide. It is more effective than Carbamate and has almost the same efficacy as that of Organophosphate. Based on the conclusions, the researchers present the following recommendations: a follow-up study should be conducted to quantify, isolate and identify the type of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, sterols and flavonoids present in barsanga (Cyperus rotundus Linn.,the plant is recommended for microbiological and other pharmacological screenings.