DOI: 10.36347/sajp.2020.v09i01.005

Pages: 18-22

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is required by humans for synthesis of vitamin – D in body. Vitamin – D is important for formation and maintenance of bones. Vitamin - D is also involved in different metabolic processes. UV radiation is, therefore, good for humans. But, UV radiation has many bad effects too. Eyes and skins are affected. Prolonged exposure of UV radiation may cause skin cancer and develop cataract. Therefore there is continuous search for anti solar compounds from different sources including plants and herbs. Recently we found that leaves of Costus speciosus (C. speciosus), a leafy green herb having many pharmacological properties, can absorb ultraviolet radiation. Aim of the present work was to isolate the anti solar compound from C. speciosus leaves. Leaves of C. speciosus were collected, identified by taxonomist and processed for isolation work by standard methodologies. Solvent extraction and acid hydrolysis were done. These were followed by solvent treatment and chromatographic experiments. A compound was crystallized. UV absorption property of the isolated compound was studied. The compound showed maximum ultraviolet absorption at 200 nm. The compound, therefore, may be used in the preparation of sun screen lotion as anti solar compound.