Thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis of Psoralea corylifolia leaf extract

Apart from the fact that key constituents of Psoralea corylifolia performed a wide spectrum of biological functions, the precise biological actions of the plant chemical constituents have remained elusive and just a few chemicals identified from this plant have been used for medication. With the medicinal properties of P corylifolia in mind, the present study was aimed to identify the fractions of the compounds of the leaves of this plant. A fast and simple procedure for the determination of the main active principle of medicinal plant is proposed. The extraction of active compounds was performed by means of three solvents based on a method of increasing polarity. The plant extract with known compositions was analysed on silica gel layers with the aid of three solvent systems. Different Rf values of the compound also reflected an idea about their polarity. The study will help in selection of appropriate solvent system for further separation of compounds from the plant extract.