The great variety of angiosperms shows the need to development of botanical classification systems supported by phytochemistry, biochemistry and others. Recently, techniques of analysis used for the isolation and characterization of secondary metabolites have been employed as auxiliary quick and efficient methods for the identification and classification of plant species. M. salicifolia is popularly known in Brazil, as "small coffee" and decoct obtained from its fresh leaves is topically used to alleviate itches and other skins allergic symptoms. This work presents the use of TLC and UV/Vis spectrophotomety processes to be applied like an auxiliary method in botanical taxonomy. The results demonstrate that this process can be used in differentiation of the same genera species, and in the selection of chemical variations between individuals of the same species.
Maytenus salicifolia; Celastraceae; pentacyclic triterpenes; UV/Vis; TLC
