Phytochemical Screening And Formulation of an Elixir for the Antihyperlipidemic Activity of the Ethanolic Extract of Ganoderma Lucidum (Karst.)

Ganoderma lucidum(Reishi) is a fungus and was used in promoting health and longevity in China, Japan, and other Asian countries. The plant contains a plethora of bioactive molecules, such as terpenoids, steroids, phenols, nucleotides and its derivatives, glycoproteins, and polysaccharides. The present study aimed to detect the constituents of the indigenous plant and determine the presence of triterpenoids that is responsible for the plant’s lipid-lowering effect. A series of phytochemical tests were conducted to determine the presence of triterpenoids, saponins, polysaccharides, tannins and alkaloids. Benedict’s test, Libermann-Burchard’s test and Mayer’s Test were used in the phtyochemical screening of the ethanolic extract. Moreover, the study focused on the formulation of an elixir with three different concentrations (200 mg/mL, 250 mg/mL, and 300 mg/mL) using various pharmaceutical ingredients that will not result to physical and chemical incompatibilities of the dosage form. The excipients used in the formulation were liquid glucose, simple syrup, sorbitol, saccharin, glycerin and lemon oil. Phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extract of Ganodermalucidum revealed the presence of saponins and triterpenoids. The presence of triterpenoids from the formulated elixir was validated through a confirmatory test. A reddish brown precipitate indicated that the triterpenoids were still present even after formulation of the ethanolic extract of Ganoderma lucidum.

Keywords:   Ganodermalucidum, triterpenoids, elixir