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Phytochemical and nutritional profiling of Vachellia nilotica, Capparis decidua, and Calligonum polygonoides from the Cholistan desert support their ethnomedicinal uses
Abstract
Medicinal plants are undoubtedly viable candidates for evaluation, leading to the characterization and isolation of newer, and safer lead compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the metabolite fingerprinting and profiling of Vachellia nilotica, Capparis decidua, and Calligonum polygonoides found in the Cholistan desert. The proximate nutritional analysis of dried, powdered plant materials was performed using approved analytical techniques. The quantity of minerals was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry using a double-beam atomic absorption spectrophotometer, Perkin-Elmer Model 2380. Phenolics and flavonoids were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis was performed to obtain a ¹H NMR spectrum using a 500 MHz Bruker Avance‑500 spectrometer. The results of the present study confirmed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the phytochemical composition among selected species. C. polygonoides had exceptionally high magnesium and flavonoid glycosides, with fiber content of 24.5 g/100g. V. nilotica was richest in protein, ash, iron, zinc, copper, and flavonoid glycosides whereas. C. decidua had the highest fat, carbohydrate, sodium, potassium, and a complex mixture of condensed tannins. Each species showed a distinct phytochemical profile, and these profiles could be explored to isolate phytoconstituents with potential for synthesizing medicines to treat various diseases. The findings provided scientific evidence supporting the traditional use of these plants for treating various ailments, with each species showing unique phytochemical profiles suitable for targeted pharmaceutical applications. Future research should include: (1) bioassay-guided fractionation to isolate and purify individual bioactive compounds responsible for specific therapeutic activities; (2) comprehensive evaluation of seasonal and geographical variations in phytochemical composition to identify optimal harvesting periods and locations; (3) In vitro and In vivo pharmacological studies to validate the therapeutic potential and establish dose-response relationships.
