High-performance thin-layer chromatography profiling of Crateva magna (Lour.) DC. from different parts of South India

Phytochemicals derived from plants and plant-based substances have been used both in traditional medicine and in pharmaceutical products approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Given the prevalence of lifestyle disorders and the constant emergence of newer pathogens, it is crucial to continue searching for potential drug candidates. Plant-based products are particularly promising due to their extensive chemical composition and reduced side effects. This study focused on Crateva magna (Lour.) DC., an underutilized plant species, obtained from various parts of South India, to evaluate its phytochemical composition. The extracts from C. magna contained alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and sterols and showed significant levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins, which are comparable to other related Crateva species. The methanolic and water extracts of the leaves showed overall more increased levels of phenolic and flavonoid content than bark extracts. On further scrutiny of the extracts using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), unique bands in addition to commonly shared bands were observed in extracts obtained from different locations. This variability emphasizes the effect of geoclimatic conditions on the secondary metabolite composition in plants. Further analysis and identification of marker compounds may pave the way for the discovery of new drugs to treat a variety of diseases.