Microcrystal Tests for the Detection of Alkaloids of Datura Fastuosa & Gycosides of Nerium Odorum and Calatropis Gigantea

An attempt was done to detect the presence of different toxic principles (alkaloids and glycosides) from the toxic plant specimens i.e. Datura fastuosa, Nerium odorum and Calotropis gigantea using sensitive microcrystal tests. This study involved the extraction of toxic principles from the respective plant materials using Stass Otto method and further analysis & detection of the same using different reagents. In total 75 plant samples were collected. Microcrystal tests were performed on the slides. Crystallization products were examined microscopically. Rod shaped, Needle shaped, Globular shaped and Square shaped crystals were obtained with different reagents for the toxic principles of Datura fastuosa. & transparent rectangular crystals were obtained for Nerium odorum & Needle shaped, Octahedral shaped and Leaf shaped crystals were obtained for toxic principles of Calotropis gigantea. The results showed a significant difference between the average positive results of crystal formation of Datura fastuosa (13.33%), Nerium odorum (24.75%) Calotropis gigantea (15.23%) and the probability of detection between Datura fastuosa and Nerium odorum was p <.01, Datura fastuosa and Calotropis gigantea was p >.01. The results of this study give a scope for further research in the similar line to explore the potential detection methods like microcrystal test which is superior to the conventional color tests and economical to the other screening tests employed in forensic science laboratories.