Physicochemical Characterization, Phytochemical and HPTLC Fingerprinting Studies on Fruit of Couroupita Guianensis

Abstract Traditional knowledge and literature studies report that each part of a plant has tremendous medicinal values. Validation of these medicinal plants scientifically is an important criterion for the development of plant-based drugs. Couroupita guianensis (Family: Lecythidaceae) is a plant with immense medicinal properties. To authenticate its biological value, the present investigation aims to standardize the fruit of C. guianensis based on physicochemical characterization, phytochemical analysis both qualitatively and quantitatively, and high-performance thin-layer liquid chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting studies. Fruit pulp of C. guianensis was obtained, processed and extracted with solvents such as petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol and hydroalcohol. Moisture content, total ash, water-soluble ash and acid-insoluble ash values were calculated. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the existence of several secondary metabolites in the extracts. In addition, interpreting peaks obtained from HPTLC analysis revealed the presence of potential bioactive phytoconstituents in all the extracts. The quantitative determination proclaimed that fruit pulp was found to be rich in phenolics and flavonoids followed by tannin and saponin. Further, primary metabolites were quantified and they were found to be abundant in the fruit pulp. Henceforth, the outcome of these results provides information for assessing the quality of the sample that could help in ensuring its therapeutic efficacy. Keywords: Couroupita guianensis, HPTLC, Physicochemical characterization, Phytochemical, Fingerprinting