Phytochemical Screening, GC-MS & HPLC Analysis of Decalepis arayalpathra (Joseph & Chandras) an Endangered Medicinal Plant

Decalepis arayalpathra is one of the important medicinal plants with milky latex, which grows on the exposed rocky slopes at an 800-1200 m elevation. It is endemic to the southern region of the Western Ghats chiefly in the Agasthyamalai region of Tamil Nadu. The plant has been used by traditional people to treat various diseases such as peptic ulcers, cancer like affliction, skin diseases etc. The moniliform tuberous roots have special fragrance like vanilla, because the roots contain different compounds such as alpha-amyrin acetate, beta-sitosterol, naringenin, kaempferol and aromadendrin especially in 2-hydroxy 4-methoxy benzaldehyde (2H4MB). The present study was aimed to examine the phytochemical screening and identification of bioactive compounds of Decalepis arayalpathra by GC-MS & HPLC analysis. The phytochemical analysis was carried out by using standard methods. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed major bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, proteins, steroids, terpenoids, quinones, resins, phenols, tannins, volatile oils and other phytocompounds. FTIR analysis identified various bioactive components and those were confirmed through GC-MS analysis. 2-hydroxy 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (2H4MB) and beta-sitosterol were quantified by HPLC analysis. Further studies have to be carried out in the in-vitro multiplication, isolation and characterization of compounds to enhance the root flavouring complexes for medicinal, food and beverage industries.