Phytochemical profiling and GC–MS studies of crude extracts of Eriolaena lushingtonii Dunn: An endemic and vulnerable tree taxon

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BACKGROUND: Eriolaena lushingtonii Dunn is an endemic and vulnerable medicinal plant of the family Sterculiaceae and has been traditionally used in ethnomedicine, but lacks scientific phytochemical validation. The present study aimed to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical profiles and to identify volatile compounds in its leaves and stem bark using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. METHODS: Standard protocols were used to analyze the phytochemicals both qualitatively and quantitatively. GC-MS was used to screen volatile phytochemicals in leaves and stem bark. RESULTS: Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of primary metabolites like carbohydrates, proteins, and fatty acids, and secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, saponins, steroids, and tannins, predominantly in aqueous and methanolic extracts. Quantitative analysis demonstrated high concentrations of phenols (174.40 mg/g in leaves and 151.20 mg/g in stem bark) and flavonoids (69.8 mg/g in leaves and 35.4 mg/g in stem bark). GC-MS analysis revealed 23 volatile compounds, of which 4 were common to both plant parts. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that E. lushingtonii contains a diverse range of primary and secondary metabolites, with phenols and flavonoids being the most abundant. Aqueous and methanol extracts exhibited the highest number of phytochemicals. GC-MS analysis identified 23 volatile compounds, highlighting the plant’s potential for pharmacological applications. The findings underscore the potential medicinal value of this endemic plant, warranting further exploration of its therapeutic applications and the need for conservation efforts due to its vulnerable status.