Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical constituents of the ethanolic root extract of Tabernaemontana divaricata through qualitative screening and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis. Materials and Methods: The root samples were subjected to maceration using ethanol, and the resulting extract was evaluated for the presence of secondary metabolites using standard qualitative tests. Preliminary TLC analysis was performed to determine the chemical profile of the extract, and the retention factor (Rf) values were recorded. Results: The qualitative screening revealed the prominent presence of alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids in the ethanolic extract. TLC analysis confirmed the presence of distinct phytochemical bands, and the calculated Rf values indicated the separation and identification of bioactive components. Discussion: Natural products are bioactive chemical compounds derived from living organisms such as plants, fungi, animals, or microorganisms. These compounds are a rich source of pharmacologically active agents and have been extensively used in medicinal, nutritional, and industrial applications. Compared to synthetic compounds, which are chemically synthesized and structurally simpler, natural products often exhibit a broader spectrum of biological activity. Conclusion: The ethanolic root extract of T. divaricata demonstrated the presence of important phytoconstituents, highlighting its potential as a source of pharmacologically relevant natural products. Further isolation and characterization of these compounds are warranted.
Seth et al. (2026) studied this question.