DOI: 10.21276/sajp.2019.8.4.5

Pages: 135-140

Since time immemorial Murrya koenigii Linn. Spreng Wettst (M. koenigii L.) is being used to treat medical problems. The plant is also known to possess a wide range of pharmacological properties. Recently we have shown maximum UV absorption property of methanol extract of this plant leaves. As pharmacological properties of medicinal plants are due to its secondary metabolite and amount of secondary metabolite varies with season, it is thought worthwhile to study the seasonal effect on the UV absorption property of the M. koenigii L. leaves. Leaves of M. koenigii L. were collected in summer, winter, autumn and rainy seasons. Methanol extracts of the leaves of different seasons were prepared separately. Extracts were allowed to absorb UV rays (wavelength range from 200 nm to 400 nm at 10 nm intervals) in a spectrophotometer to get absorption spectra. It is known that polyphenols have relation with UV absorbing property. Amount of polyphenol in the leave extract was therefore estimated. Results showed that methanol extract of M. koenigii L. leaves of summer had maximum UV absorbing property. Polyphenol content of the leaves was also high during summer. It is concluded that methanol extract of M. koenigii L. leaves of summer may, therefore, be used as anti-solar agent in preparation of sun screen lotions.