The phytochemical study of juniperus species

This study is to introduce the Juniperus species of Cupressaceae or Cypress family. The historical uses of this herb include the relief of flatulence, act as unnary antiseptic, diuretic, emmenagogue, aid in digestion, treatment of diabetes, bladder infection, cough, abdominal disorder, and skin infections. The research objectives are to provide the knowledge about the pharmacological activities of Juniperus species based on the literature review, to perform extraction of juniper berries using methanol, to screen the chemical compounds in methanol extract of juniper berries using the thin layer chromatography (TLC) as well as to identify the isolated compounds using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). From the literature review, the phytochemical compositions of Juniperus species in which the monoterpenes present essential oil, amentoflavone of flavanoids, podophyllotoxin of lignans and elements in terpenoids such as sesquiterpenoids and bicyclic diterpenoids were mentioned. The pharmacological activities of Juniperus species include antibacterial, antioxidant, wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity, antidiabetic and neuroprotective potential of the species. The retails and community pharmacy also provide this herb as essential oils, herbal supplements and tea, skin and personal care products which comprise of body cream and lotion, body balm, moisturiser cream, shampoo and soap. In the methodology, the extraction, chromatographic analysis and spectroscopic analysis of juniper berries using NMR were performed. Finally, the methanol extraction of juniper berries could lead to isolation of flavonoids and other natural organic compounds having oxygenated carbons.