Phytochemical Investigation of the Bark of Parkinsonia aculeata and Rotula aquatica: A Comparative Study

The present study investigates the phytochemical profile of the bark of Parkinsonia aculeata and Rotula aquatica, two medicinal plants known for their traditional therapeutic applications. The bark samples were subjected to extraction using alcohol and water, followed by qualitative phytochemical screening to detect the presence of secondary metabolites. The extracts were evaluated for constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, carbohydrates, and saponins. The results confirmed the rich presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds in both plants, supporting their ethnomedicinal relevance. These findings contribute to the standardization and quality control of these plants in herbal drug formulations.

Keywords: Parkinsonia aculeata, Rotula aquatica, phytochemical screening, bark, flavonoids, herbal drugs