The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2026; 15(1):20-25 ; DOI:10.31254/phyto.2026.15103
Analytical elucidation of phytoconstituents in Terminalia arjuna bark through HPTLC and GC-MS approaches
S. Keerthana1 , P. Sankar2 , K. Gopal3
1. PG scholar, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal- 637002, Tamil Nadu, India
2. Associate Professor, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Udumalpet, Tiruppur-642205, Tamil Nadu, India
3. Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal- 637002, Tamil Nadu, India
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 13th November, 2025 / Accepted: 13th March, 2026 / Published : 28th March, 2026
Background: Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight and Arn., a well-documented medicinal plant, is traditionally acclaimed for its cardioprotective efficacy along with several other properties. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition and characterize the bioactive constituents of the ethanolic extract of T. arjuna bark. Materials and Methods: The bark was authenticated, shade dried, powdered and extracted with ethanol using the cold maceration method. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed to reveal the presence of bioactive phytoconstituents. Quantification of the phytochemicals was carried out by HPTLC, along with the estimation of total phenols and total alkaloid content. Results: The percentage yield of the extract was found to be 17.15%. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of the T. arjuna bark extract tested positive for alkaloids, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, phytosterols, saponins, tannins and terpenoids. HPTLC analysis confirmed the presence of quercetin in the extract with a mean concentration of 96.07 μg/100 mg of the extract. GC-MS analysis identified 15 major components, providing phytochemical evidence supporting the plant’s antioxidant and cardioprotective potential. Conclusion: The study provides scientific validation for therapeutic significance of T. arjuna bark and establishes a foundation for future phytopharmacological and formulation-based research.
Terminalia arjuna, Phytochemical profile, Quercetin, HPTLC, GC-MS
HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE
Keerthana S, Sankar P, Arivuchelvan A, Gopal K. Analytical elucidation of phytoconstituents in Terminalia arjuna bark through HPTLC and GC-MS approaches. J Phytopharmacol 2026; 15(1):20-25. doi: 10.31254/phyto.2026.15103
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