Following methods are good for the analysis of glycosides in herbal extracts:
I. Keller Killiani test: 1ml of the extracts were dissolved in 1ml of glacial acetic acid and cooled, after cooling, 2-3 drops of ferric chloride was added. To this solution 2ml of conc. sulphuric acid was added carefully along the walls of the test tube. Appearance of reddish brown colored ring at the junction of two layers indicates the presence of glycosides.
II. Conc. sulphuric acid test: To 1ml of the extracts, 1ml of conc. sulphuric acid was added and allowed to stand for 2 min. a reddish color precipitate indicates the presence of glycosides.
III. Molish’s test: 2-3 drops of molisch reagent was added to the extracts and mixed well. To this, a few drops of conc. sulphuric acid was added carefully. Formation of reddish-purple colored ring at the junction of two layers indicates the presence of glycosides.
a reddish brown ring in ur test is for terpenoids. steroids will give green color. there are nearly 13 types of aglycon based glycosides. for better understanding u refer h./j. harborne text book for plant analysis. more specific doubts u can contact me trhough this RG messaging system.