Deciphering the growth stage specific bioactive diversity patterns in Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. using...

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Pharmacognosy
• Plant Science

Background:

• Wild Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. (MK) is a plant species with potential medicinal properties.
• Understanding the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of MK leaves is crucial for its utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the total phenolics, flavonoids, essential oils, quinones, and tannins in wild MK leaves.
• To evaluate the antioxidant activity of MK leaves at various growth stages.
• To elucidate the relationships between phytochemical properties and growth stages.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 15 wild MK leaf samples from Himachal Pradesh at pre-flowering, flowering, and fruiting stages.
• Quantification of total phenolics, flavonoids, essential oils, quinones, and tannins.
• Assessment of antioxidant activity.
• Application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (HCA).

Main Results:

• Significant variations in phytochemical content and antioxidant activity were observed across growth stages.
• Total phenolic, flavonoid, tannin, and quinone content, along with antioxidant activity, peaked during the flowering stage.
• Essential oil content also showed variations, with the highest levels observed during the flowering stage.

Conclusions:

• Phytochemical accumulation in MK leaves is strongly influenced by growth stage, with the flowering stage being optimal.
• The study provides a scientific basis for the commercialization of MK for the aromatic and phytopharmaceutical sectors.
• Further research into specific compound isolation and biological activities is warranted.