Test

Procedure

Positive result indicated by

Mayer’s test for Alkaloid

2 mL filtrate was treated with a few drops of Mayer's reagents.

white creamy precipitation

Wagner’s test for Alkaloid

2 mL of filtrate mixed with a few drops of Wagner's reagents.

Reddish-brown precipitate

Hager’s test for Alkaloid

2 mL filtrate treated with few drops of Hager's reagents.

Bright yellow precipitation

Molisch’s test for Carbohydrate

Take 2 ml of filtrate, add two drops of alcoholic solution of α- naphthol, shake well, add 1 ml of concentrated sulphuric acid at side of tube.

Violet ring

Fehling’s test for Carbohydrate

1 ml of filtrate was mixed with 1 ml of each of the Fehling solutions A and B. Then a mixture heated on water bath.

Red precipitate

Benedict’s test for Carbohydrate

0.5 mL Benedict's reagent was mixed with 0.5 mL filtrate. The mixture was heated in a boiling water bath for 2 minutes.

Specifically colored precipitate

Foam test for Saponin

The extract (50mg) is diluted with distilled water and made up to 20ml. The suspension is shaken in graduated cylinder for 15 min.

Development of foaming

Millon’s test for Proteins and amino acids

A few drops of Millon's reagent were applied to 2 ml of filtrate.

White precipitate

Ninhydrin test for Proteins and amino acids

To 2 ml of aqueous filtrate, two drops of ninhydrin solution (10 mg ninhydrin in 200 ml acetone) were added.

Purple color

Libermann-Burchard’s test for Phytosteroids and terpenoid

In 2 ml of acetic anhydride, the extract (50 mg) was dissolved. Few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid were progressively added along the side of test tube.

Variety of color changes

Spot test for Fixed oil and fats

A small quantity of extract is pressed between two filter paper.

Oil stain on the paper

Ferric chloride test for Phenolic and flavonoids

The extract (50 mg) was dissolved in 5 mL of distilled water. A few drops of neutral ferric chloride solution were added.

Dark green color

Gelatin test for Phenolic and flavonoids

The extract (50 mg) was dissolved in 5 ml of distilled water and 2 ml of 1% gelatin solution containing 10% sodium chloride was added into it.

White precipitate

Lead acetate test for tannin

The extract (50 mg) was dissolved in distilled water and 3 ml of 10% lead acetate solution was added into it.

Bulky white precipitate

Copper acetate test for Diterpenes

The plant extract was mixed with 3-4 drops of copper acetate solution and dissolved in water.

Bright green color