Quantitative phytochemical screening of some commonly available herbs in Tamil Nadu

This study examines the phytochemical content of 16 medicinal herbs commonly used in Tamil Nadu, India, focusing on key bioactive compounds like alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and tannins. Aqueous and ethanol extracts were analyzed to determine compound concentrations, essential for therapeutic efficacy. Results showed significant variations in chemical composition based on plant species and solvent used. Emblica officinalis fruits had the highest alkaloid content (26.35 mg/g in aqueous extract), while Andrographis paniculata stems and leaves had the highest saponin (20.36%) and terpenoid (4.75%) levels. Syzygium aromaticum buds exhibited the highest flavonoid content (4.63 mg/g), and Moringa oleifera leaves contained the highest phenols (0.98 mg/g) and non-tannin phenolics (0.97 mg/g). Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds had the highest tannin content (0.34 mg/g). Ethanol extracts generally showed higher levels of bioactive compounds in plants like Curcuma longa, Andrographis paniculata, Cinnamomum verum, and Emblica officinalis. These findings highlight solvent-dependent extraction and the therapeutic potential of these herbs, supporting their traditional medicinal use and future integration into modern healthcare.