ANALYSIS OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUND IN HERBAL MEDICINAL PLANT EXTRACT OF BAMBUSA VULGARIS

Abstract

The present study was carried out to investigate the phytochemical profile and quantify the flavonoid marker compound quercetin in the aqueous extract of Bambusa vulgaris. The powdered plant material was extracted using water as the extraction solvent, yielding 4.92% w/w dried extract. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed using standard qualitative tests, which revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, phenolic compounds, proteins, and diterpenes, while alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, tannins, and sterols were absent. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis was conducted using a mobile phase comprising toluene:ethyl acetate:formic acid (5:4:1), which demonstrated a prominent spot corresponding to quercetin with an Rf value of 0.6. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the aqueous extract were found to be 0.35 mg/100 mg and 0.80 mg/100 mg, respectively. Quantitative estimation of quercetin by HPLC analysis showed a retention time of 2.290 min and a quercetin content of 0.176% in the extract. The findings indicate that Bambusa vulgaris is a rich source of flavonoids and phenolic constituents, particularly quercetin, which may contribute to its pharmacological activities. The study provides a scientific basis for the use of Bambusa vulgaris as a potential natural source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.