Biochemical evaluation of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants of western Ghats Region

Abstract

What treasures lie within the ancient forests of the Western Ghats? This biodiversity hotspot harbors thousands of medicinal plant species whose phytochemical profiles remain incompletely characterized. This research evaluated secondary metabolite content in five prominent medicinal plants collected from Western Ghats region through collaboration with Indian research institutions. Quantitative analysis revealed substantial variation in alkaloid, flavonoid, phenolic, and terpenoid content across species. Ocimum sanctum demonstrated highest total phenolic content (94.8±6.4 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (67.4±5.1 mg QE/g). Andrographis paniculata showed highest alkaloid concentration (14.7±1.2 mg/g). Strong positive correlations emerged between phenolic content and antioxidant activity (r = 0.89, p