1.
Vitali-Morin Test
The Vitali-Morin test is used for the detection of flavonoids, particularly catechins and
leucoanthocyanins (types of flavonoids). This test is widely used in the pharmacognostic
identification of plant materials that contain flavonoid compounds.
Principle:
This test relies on the ability of catechins to form a yellow or orange complex when reacted
with specific chemicals.
Procedure:
1. Extract: Prepare a crude extract of the plant material using an appropriate solvent
(usually alcohol or water).
2. Test Solution: Add a few drops of 1% ferric chloride solution (FeCl₃) to the
extract.
3. Addition of Vitali’s Reagent: Add a few drops of sodium molybdate (Na₂MoO₄)
solution to the test solution.
Observation:
• If catechins or leucoanthocyanins are present, a yellow or orange color will appear
due to the formation of a complex.
Applications:
• This test is often used to detect the presence of flavonoids in plant extracts used for
medicinal purposes, particularly in plant species like green tea (Camellia sinensis),
which contains catechins.
2. Matchstick Test
The Matchstick test is a simple and qualitative test used to detect the presence of tannins (a
group of polyphenolic compounds) in plant materials.
Principle:
This test exploits the ability of tannins to bind to proteins and other substances, producing a
distinctive color change.
Procedure:
1. Extract: Take a small portion of the plant material and extract it using water or
alcohol.
2. Test Solution: Place a matchstick in the extract, ensuring the matchstick is clean and
dry.
3. Observation: After placing the matchstick in the extract, wait for a few minutes and
observe the reaction.
Observation:
• If tannins are present in the extract, the matchstick will turn brown or black due to
the precipitation of tannins with proteins from the matchstick.
Applications:
• This test is used in the preliminary screening of plant materials to detect the presence
of tannins, which are known for their astringent properties and have medicinal uses
in wound healing, diarrhea treatment, and as antioxidants.
3. Shinoda Test
The Shinoda test is a classical method for the detection of flavonoids in plant extracts. This
test is based on the ability of flavonoids to produce a color reaction when treated with
magnesium and hydrochloric acid (HCl).
Principle:
Flavonoids, particularly those that are flavones and flavonols, react with magnesium and
HCl to form a magenta or red color, indicating their presence.
Procedure:
1. Extract: Prepare an alcohol or water extract of the plant material.
2. Add Magnesium: Add a few pieces of magnesium ribbon or magnesium powder
to the extract.
3. Add Hydrochloric Acid: Add a few drops of concentrated HCl to the extract and
magnesium mixture.
4. Heat (Optional): In some cases, gentle heat is applied.
Observation:
• A magenta or red color will appear if flavonoids (particularly flavones or flavonols)
are present.
Applications:
• This test is widely used in the identification of flavonoids in herbal drugs, such as
onions (Allium cepa), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), and chamomile (Matricaria
chamomilla).
4. Umbelliferone Test
The Umbelliferone test is used for the detection of coumarins in plant extracts. Coumarins
are a group of aromatic compounds found in many plants, often responsible for characteristic
fragrances, and they exhibit various biological activities, such as anticoagulant, anti-
inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Principle:
Umbelliferone is a fluorescent coumarin that emits a blue fluorescence when exposed to
ultraviolet light (UV). This property is utilized in the detection of coumarins in plant
materials.
Procedure:
1. Extract: Prepare a crude extract of the plant using an appropriate solvent (ethanol or
water).
2. Add Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH): Add a few drops of 10% sodium hydroxide
(NaOH) solution to the extract.
3. Observation under UV light: After the addition of NaOH, place the solution under
UV light (254 nm).
Observation:
• If coumarins are present, a blue fluorescence will be visible under UV light due to
the presence of umbelliferone or other similar compounds.
Applications:
• The Umbelliferone test is commonly used to detect the presence of coumarins in
plant species like sweet clover (Melilotus spp.), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), and
cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.).
• This test can also be applied in the screening of herbal drugs for coumarin content,
which is important for quality control and standardization of plant-based products.
Summary Table
Test Name Used For Reagents Observation Plant Example
Flavonoids Ferric chloride Green tea
Vitali-Morin Yellow/Orange
(Catechins, (FeCl₃), Sodium (Camellia
Test color formation
Leucoanthocyanins) molybdate sinensis), Cocoa
Brown/Black
Matchstick Crude extract, Oak (Quercus
Tannins color formation
Test Matchstick spp.), Acacia
on matchstick
Onion (Allium
Magnesium, cepa),
Flavonoids (Flavones, Magenta/Red
Shinoda Test Hydrochloric Chamomile
Flavonols) color formation
acid (HCl) (Matricaria
chamomilla)
Test Name Used For Reagents Observation Plant Example
Sweet clover
Sodium (Melilotus spp.),
Umbelliferone Blue fluorescence
Coumarins hydroxide Bergamot
Test under UV light
(NaOH) (Citrus
bergamia)
Conclusion
These tests are valuable tools in the qualitative analysis of plant materials used in
pharmacognosy. They help in the detection and identification of key phytochemical
groups, such as flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, and other secondary metabolites. These
reactions are crucial for ensuring the authenticity, quality control, and standardization of
plant-derived drugs, as well as for detecting adulteration or contamination in herbal
preparations.
