PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND MEDICINAL POTENTIAL OF INDIGENOUS PLANT

Abstract

Medicinal plants remain a vital source of therapeutic agents, particularly in regions where traditional medicine plays a central role in healthcare. The present study systematically evaluated the phytochemical composition and medicinal potential of selected indigenous plant species using an integrated, multi-dimensional analytical framework. Quantitative profiling of major secondary metabolites, including phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids, was combined with in vitro assays assessing antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities, alongside preliminary toxicity screening. The results revealed marked interspecific and anatomical variation in phytochemical abundance and biological performance. Phenolic- and flavonoid-rich extracts consistently exhibited stronger antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, while anti-inflammatory activity varied independently, indicating mechanistic diversity among species. Importantly, solvent choice and plant part selection significantly influenced phytochemical recovery and medicinal outcomes, with hydroalcoholic solvents and aerial tissues generally yielding superior bioactivity. The integration of multiple biological endpoints into a composite medicinal potential score enabled robust cross-species comparison and rational prioritization of promising candidates. Safety screening further demonstrated that high bioactivity does not inherently imply low toxicity, emphasizing the importance of balanced evaluation frameworks. Overall, this study provides a holistic strategy for medicinal plant assessment, bridging traditional knowledge with modern phytochemical and pharmacological approaches, and offers a foundation for future drug discovery, nutraceutical development, and sustainable utilization of indigenous plant resources.