To study the phytochemical constituent of Murraya koenigii leaves

Abstract

Introduction: Murraya koenigii (curry leaves) is a widely used medicinal plant known for its traditional applications in treating various ailments due to its rich phytochemical composition. Understanding the qualitative and quantitative presence of its bioactive compounds can provide scientific validation for its ethnomedicinal use. Aim: The present study aimed to perform a comprehensive phytochemical investigation of Murraya koenigii leaves to identify and quantify the major secondary metabolites responsible for its pharmacological activities. Materials and Methods: Qualitative phytochemical screening was conducted using standard chemical tests to detect the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, phenolics, terpenoids, and steroids. Quantitative analysis involved spectrophotometric and gravimetric methods to estimate the Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), and Total Alkaloid Content. Results: Qualitative analysis confirmed the presence of all tested phytoconstituents, with distinctive color changes and precipitate formation supporting their identification. Quantitatively, TPC was found to be as high as 133.59 mg GAE/g dry weight (DW), indicating potent antioxidant potential. TFC was reported at 1.24% (w/w), reflecting significant flavonoid concentration, and Total Alkaloid Content was measured at 23.73%, suggesting strong pharmacological activity. Conclusion: The study confirms that Murraya koenigii leaves are a rich source of diverse bioactive secondary metabolites. These findings scientifically validate the plant’s traditional therapeutic use and highlight its potential for future development of herbal formulations or pharmaceutical applications. Further studies focusing on the isolation and characterization of individual compounds are warranted to explore their specific mechanisms of action and therapeutic efficacy.