European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

UV–VISIBLE SPECTROSCOPY AND GC–MS PROFILING OF THE HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF ABUTILON INDICUM (L.)

Sareesh Kankanala*, Dr. Sunil Kumar Chaithanya, Mir Saad Akram, Poloju Mukesh, Pavani Nikshipta

ABSTRACT

Background: Abutilon indicum (L.) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional systems of medicine for the treatment of inflammatory, infectious, and metabolic disorders. The therapeutic potential of the plant is mainly attributed to its diverse phytochemical constituents. The present study was undertaken to investigate the phytochemical profile of the hydroalcoholic extract of Abutilon indicum using UV–Visible spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) techniques. Methods: The whole plant material was shade dried, powdered, and extracted using a hydroalcoholic solvent system. Preliminary characterization was performed by UV–Visible spectroscopy in the wavelength range of 200–800 nm to identify characteristic absorption bands associated with major phytochemical classes. Further phytochemical profiling was carried out using GC–MS analysis for the identification of bioactive constituents based on retention time and mass spectral data. Results: UV–Visible spectral analysis revealed prominent absorption maxima at 225–235 nm, 265–280 nm, and 320–340 nm, indicating the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, and related polyphenolic compounds. The hydroalcoholic extract exhibited higher absorbance compared to non-polar solvent extracts, suggesting superior extraction efficiency for biologically active constituents. GC–MS analysis identified several phytochemicals belonging to different chemical classes, including oxygenated compounds, aromatic hydrocarbons, phytosterols, and triterpenoids. Among the detected compounds, γ-sitosterol (86.81%), lupeol (76.74%), taraxasterol (2.55%), and α-sitosterol (4.55%) were recognized as major bioactive constituents. These compounds are reported to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hypocholesterolemic, chemoprotective, and anticancer activities. The predominance of phytosterols and triterpenoids indicates the significant pharmacological potential of the plant extract. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that the hydroalcoholic extract of Abutilon indicum is a rich source of biologically active phytochemicals. UV–Visible spectroscopy and GC–MS proved to be effective analytical tools for phytochemical characterization and compound identification. The study provides scientific evidence supporting the traditional medicinal use of Abutilon indicum and highlights its potential as a promising source of natural therapeutic agents for future pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Keywords: Abutilon indicum; Hydroalcoholic extract; UV–Visible spectroscopy; GC–MS analysis; Phytochemical profiling.