DOI: 10.36347/sajp.2020.v09i01.004

Pages: 14-17

Costus speciosus (C. speciosus), an edible leafy green, is known to possess a wide range of pharmacological properties. Recently we have shown UV absorption property of C. speciosus leaves of Sikkim Himalayas. Ethanol extract of C. speciosus leaves for 15 minutes at 400C exerts maximum UV ray absorption property. It is known that pharmacological properties of medicinal plants are due to its secondary metabolite and amount of secondary metabolite varies with season. It is, therefore, thought worthwhile to study the seasonal effect on the UV absorption property of the C. speciosus leaves. Leaves of C. speciosus were collected in summer, winter, autumn and rainy seasons. Ethanol 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. As polyphenols have relation with UV absorbing property amount of polyphenol in the leave extract was estimated. Results showed that ethanol extract of C. speciosus leaves of rainy season (June – August) had maximum UV absorbing property. Polyphenol content of the leaves was also high during rainy season. It is concluded that ethanol extract of C. speciosus leaves of rainy season may be used as anti solar agent in preparation of sun screen lotions.