Phytochemical screening and total flavonoid content of Mansonia gagei leaves

Abstract

Chanhom, has a long history of medicinal use, with its extracted wood oil traditionally employed as a cardiotonic, nervine, antipyretic, anti- hemorrhagic, and antidiarrheal agent. This study aimed to conduct a preliminary phytochemical screening of M. gagei leaves using color and precipitate observations in chemical reactions, as well as to quantify the total flavonoid content. The results revealed the presence of reducing sugars, alkaloids, and flavonoids in the leaves. The total flavonoid content, determined using the aluminum chloride colorimetric method and expressed as quercetin equivalents, was found to be 209. 441 ± 2. 047 mg/ g of crude extract. These findings suggest that M. gagei leaves could be a potential source of bioactive compounds, including carbohydrates, alkaloids, and flavonoids, for use in herbal medicine or as functional food ingredients. The results also contribute to the nutritional database and may aid in the development of novel nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. Additionally, this study highlights the potential economic value of M. gagei leaves and promotes the dissemination of knowledge about the medicinal properties of indigenous Thai plants.