Pharmacopoeial standardisation and bioactive metabolite-based identification of elite sources of Tribulus terrestris L. from Rajasthan and adjoining regions, India

This study presents a chemosystematic investigation of Tribulus terrestris L. focusing on pharmacologically active steroidal saponins quantified through validated high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) methods. Fourteen wild populations from Rajasthan and nearby regions were evaluated for intra-specific physico-phytochemical variation, antioxidant activity and elite source identification. Two HPTLC solvent systems quantified tribulosin (Rf = 0.39 ± 0.02) and diosgenin (Rf = 0.51 ± 0.03), with concentrations ranging from 0.028% to 0.158% and 0.002% to 0.028% (dry weight), respectively. Cluster analysis identified elite sources, supporting studied metabolites as potential chemotaxonomic markers for authenticating quality raw materials (QRM). Significant differences (p < 0.05) in phytochemicals were strongly associated with variations in antioxidant activity, possibly reflecting geographic influences on metabolite profiles across populations. Overall, the findings highlight the need for high QRM to ensure reliable herbal formulations, while also supporting commercial cultivation to meet industrial demands and foster socio-economic development in suitable regions.