Molecular identification and phytochemical profiling of selected medicinal plants in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Year 2025, Volume: 12 Issue: 1, 166 - 180

Dana Theresa De Leon Arwil Nathaniel Alfonso Angeles De Leon , Jerwin Undan

Abstract

The study focuses on the five medicinal plants used by the local people residing in Calaanan, Bongabon Nueva Ecija Philippines. The study aimed to investigate using DNA-based identification, phytochemical screening, and antioxidant analysis of the plant’s ethanolic extract. The selected five plants were initially identified by a taxonomist and molecularly identified using the rbcL gene marker. These plants were identified as Scoparia dulcis, Vachellia fernasiana, Centella asiatica, Sapindus saponaria, and Ocimum tenuiflorum. The extracts of the plants underwent Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis to determine the functional group present in each plant and further analysis led to Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) to unveil the presence and absence of the plant’s secondary metabolites. The phytochemical profiles revealed the presence of essential oils, phenols, fatty acids, anthraquinones, anthrones, coumarins, flavonoids, and tannins. The results from the phytochemical analysis demonstrated the chemical diversity of the plant, prompting further investigations into its various bioactive properties. Further, the plants were subjected to 2,2'diphenyl-1-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay using a 1000ppm concentration of crude extracts, results revealed a range from 22.71% to 79.01% radical scavenging activity compared to the control which is at 83.56%. Collectively, this study reveals the accurate identity, phytochemical profile, and antioxidant activity of the medicinal plants.

Keywords

Pharmacology, Plant-based medicine, Toxicity, Phytochemicals, Radical scavenging activity

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