Pharmacognostical, preliminary phytochemical probe, phenetics and DNA barcoding of Calotropis gigantea Linn leaves

Abstract

Background: Calotropis gigantea belongs to Apocynaceae, a large erect lactiferous shrub, native to continental Asia, South East Asia and had been introduced in the pacific islands, Australia, Central and northern South America, South Africa, India, Srilanka, China, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia. Tribal communities used this plant to treat bronchial asthma, cholera, convulsions, pneumonia, toothache, ringworm and small pox infections, fever, rheumatism, leprosy, constipation, wounds. The phytochemical survey reported the presence of cardenolides, triterpenoids, anthocyanins and hydrocarbons. The plant exhibited antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti asthmatic, anticonvulsant, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, procoagulant, abortifacient, cytotoxic, insecticidal and ovicidal effects

Materials and methods: Leaves were collected from Mangalakudi village, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, in the month of February 2025. It was identified and authenticated by Dr.Stephen. The collected leaves were washed with water; shade dried, powdered and aqueous extract is prepared. The extract was concentrated and stored in air tight container for further use.

Results and discussion: The present study analysed the pharmacognostical parameters such as macroscopical, microscopical evaluation, determination of physicochemical constants including inorganic elements, qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytoconstituents, phenetics and DNA barcoding in leaves of Calotropis gigantea.

Conclusion: The present article draws phytochemical analysis of the plant shows presence of beta carboline alkaloid, cardiac glycoside, tannin, saponin, steroid, terpenoid and quantitatively estimates digoxin(0.0003mg/g), gallic acid(0.0005mg/g), tannic acid(0.006 mg/g) and thymol(0.001mg/g) equivalent in Calotropis gigantea.