Comparative Study of Qualitative Phytochemical Constituents of Calotropis procera Leaves, Latex, and Flowers, Zanthoxylum armatum Dried Seeds, and Eugenia caryophyllus Dried Flower Buds

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to conduct a comparative qualitative analysis of phytochemical constituents in various parts of Calotropis procera (leaves, latex, and flowers), Zanthoxylum armatum (dried seeds), and Eugenia caryophyllus (dried flower buds) using different organic solvents.

Methodology: Plant materials were collected from Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Extracts were prepared using methanol, acetone, and chloroform. Seventeen standard phytochemical screening tests were performed to identify the presence of various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, coumarins, resins, fixed oils, quinones, proteins, and others.

Results: The methanolic extracts of C. procera leaves and E. caryophyllus flower buds exhibited the most diverse and abundant phytochemical profiles. Notably, flavonoids and terpenoids were consistently present across all plant species and solvent types, indicating a strong pharmacological potential. Z. armatum dried seeds also demonstrated notable concentrations of fixed oils, betacyanin, and proteins. Solvent efficacy followed the order: methanol > acetone > chloroform. The absence of saponins and emodins in all samples was also observed.

Conclusion: The studied medicinal plants, particularly C. procera and E. caryophyllus, are rich in bioactive phytochemicals and hold significant potential for pharmaceutical applications. Methanol proved to be the most effective solvent for extracting diverse phytochemical classes. These findings support the traditional use of these plants and warrant further studies for the isolation and pharmacological evaluation of individual compounds.