Phytochemical Profiling of Secondary Metabolite Production in Some Endangered Medicinal Plant Species of India

Abstract

Endangered medicinal plants are invaluable for their therapeutic potential, yet many face the threat of extinction due to habitat loss and overharvesting. This study aims to profile the phytochemical composition and secondary metabolite production in selected endangered medicinal plant species native to India. Methanolic and aqueous extracts of Nardostachys jatamansi, Saussurea costus, Swertia chirayita, and Podophyllum hexandrum were analyzed for major classes of secondary metabolites including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, terpenoids, and glycosides. Quantitative analysis was performed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, while qualitative assays confirmed the presence of various phytochemicals. The study reveals substantial inter-species variation in metabolite profiles, underlining the significance of each plant's unique bioactive composition. These findings contribute to conservation strategies and promote the sustainable use of phytochemical-rich endangered plants in drug discovery.