EXTRACTION AND COMPREHENSIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING OF PEDALIUM MUREX

Medicinal plants are an invaluable source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. Pedalium murex, commonly known as “Gokhru,” has been traditionally used in Ayurveda for managing urological disorders, reproductive health, and inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to perform a comprehensive phytochemical investigation, extraction, and quantification of bioactive constituents in the hydro-alcoholic extract of P. murex leaves. Organoleptic, physicochemical, and preliminary phytochemical evaluations confirmed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, and phytosterols, while saponins, tannins, and alkaloids were absent. The extract yield was 11.87% w/w, and HPLC analysis enabled the identification and quantification of flavonoids, with quercetin and rutin detected at retention times of 2.597 ± 0.08 min and 7.621 ± 0.53 min, respectively. Method validation demonstrated excellent linearity, precision, accuracy, and sensitivity, indicating the reliability of the developed RP-HPLC method for routine quality control. These findings validate the traditional use of P. murex and establish a scientific basis for its standardization, providing a foundation for the development of herbal formulations and nutraceutical applications.