Background: Pluchea ovalis is a significant medicinal plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is also known as “Woolly Camphor-Weed” and has traditionally been used in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Folk medicine for treating numerous ailments, particularly Jaundice, Piles, Bronchial Asthma, inflammation, and Carcinoma.
Purpose: Phytochemical Profile and GC-MS-Identified Bioactive Compounds in Pluchea ovalis Research Design: The phytochemical composition of P. ovalis leaves was screened using a Soxhlet apparatus after hot, continuous, and consecutive extraction. A variety of solvents were used for the qualitative assay. Different solvents were used in increasing polarity order to carry out the extraction operation. Total content of tannins, phenolic compounds, alkaloids (bromocresol green), and flavonoids (aluminum chloride) quantified (Folin-Ciocalteu). Additionally, quick and precise GC was used in conjunction with the Mass Hunter tool and mass spectrometry method to examine the absorbed components and determine the complete elements.
Results: The qualitative phytochemical screening revealed that alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids & terpenoids, phenols, tannins, glycosides, phytosterols, coumarins, quinones resins, cardiac glycosides, leuco anthocyanins, anthraquinones and fixed oils were found in all the extracts, the quantification of alkaloids in methanol, showcasing a remarkable concentration of 502 mg/g equivalent, while chloroform exhibits a substantial alkaloid content of 310 mg/g, flavonoids, yielding the highest concentration in methanol at 520 mg/g and ethyl acetate at 440 mg/g. Phenols and tannins in methanol 390 mg/g and 320 mg/g . Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of P. ovalis leaf methanol extract revealed 50 peaks, identifying bioactive compounds based on retention time, molecular formula, structure, weight, and concentration (peak area%). The results indicated that the single major component, dodecanoic acid, 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester (C39H74O6), had a peak area of 38.16%, a molecular weight of 638, and was reported to have hypercholesterolemic, anti-arthritic, nematocidal and hepatoprotective activity. 2-Ethoxyethylamine (C4H11NO), on the other hand, had the second-highest peak area, at 26.46%.
Conclusion: It is concluded from the current study. These findings highlight the rich phytochemical diversity and significant bioactive potential of Pluchea ovalis leaves, supporting its traditional use in various medicinal systems. The presence of potent bioactive compounds underscores its therapeutic potential and encourages further investigation into its pharmacological applications and mechanisms of action