Phytochemical profiling, bioactive compound isolation, and animal health implications of Calotropis procera in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Background: Medicinal plants are commonly employed in various ways, including the prevention of infection, alleviation of stress, and stimulation of growth. Calotropis procera is among the classifications of a medicinal plant that has various biological activities but has not received sufficient attention regarding the varying duality of its effects (e.g., beneficial and toxic) when utilized in animals or animal health in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

Aim: The specific aim of this investigation was to isolate and appraise bioactive compounds from C. procera in Al Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and their therapeutic as well as toxicological effects on animal health.

Methods: Phytochemical constituents of C. procera were extracted using both ethanol and dichloromethane (DCM) and subsequently analyzed using proximate composition, phytochemical analysis, thin-layer chromatography, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

Results: GC/MS analysis recorded the main components of C. procera are betulin (58%) and alpha-amyrin (32.87%) in the ethanolic extract; these main components had antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. However, the DCM extract of C. procera, on the other hand, recorded methyl eugenol (38.45%) and Stigmasta-7-16-dien-3-ol 3-beta 5-alpha (40.78%) as the main components.

Conclusion: In conclusion, C. procera has both therapeutic and toxic properties. For using it more safely, we need to examine its efficacy and active ingredients with modern laboratory tools to be able to utilize it more consistently as an herbal medicine. More research is needed to confirm its benefits and reduce risks.