Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND GC-MS ANALYSIS OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF QUISQUALIS INDICA– FLOWER OIL

B. Siva Prasad, K. Siva Prasad, T. Usha Kiran Reddy, K. G. Rajyalakshmi, K. Gangi Naidu, T. Vijaya*

ABSTRACT

Medicinal herbs have a rich history spanning millennia, deeply rooted in indigenous systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Sidha, and Unani. Modern scientific inquiry has delved into the correlation between botanical properties and the pharmacological effects of these plants. The present study aims to provide information concerning the phytochemical composition and GC-MS analysis of Quisqualis indica L., a plant within the Quisqualis genus, known for its woody climbers found in tropical Africa and the Indo-Malaysian region. Botanically named Quisqualis indica (or Combretum indicum) and belonging to the Combretaceae family, it contains a diverse array of compounds, including tannins, flavonoids, steroids, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, saponins, and phenolic compounds. Appreciated for its vibrant
flowers and delightful fragrance, Quisqualis indica is cultivated as an ornamental plant. In certain cultures, ripe seeds are roasted and administered to address issues like diarrhea and fever. The roots are utilized for treating rheumatism and also possess anthelmintic properties, aiding in expelling parasitic worms and alleviating diarrhea. Moreover, various parts of the Quisqualis indica plant exhibit distinct pharmacological activities, spanning from antibacterial and antioxidant effects to anti-diabetic properties, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and immunomodulation. This diversity in potential medicinal actions underscores the plant's significance in traditional medicine and its potential as a source for therapeutic compounds in modern pharmacology.

Keywords: Quisqualis indica, GC-MS analysis, phytochemical screening.