Volume-18 ~ Issue-10 ~ October 2025

Abstract: The essential oil extracted by hydrodistillation from the leaves of Piper guineense Schumach. & Thonn. (Côte d’Ivoire) showed a yield of 2.00 ± 0.01% (w/w). Combined analysis using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C NMR) spectroscopy enabled the identification of 41 volatile compounds, classified into five groups: sesquiterpenes (92.46%), diterpenes (4.53%), monoterpenes (2.74%), linear alcohols (0.25%), and linear hydrocarbons (0.29%). The major constituents were hydrogenated azulene (20.54%), β-caryophyllene (19.54%), 1-(1-methylethyl)-4, 7-dimethyl-1,2,3,5,6, 8a-hexahydronaphthalene......

Keywords: Piper guineense; Essential oil; GC-MS; ¹³C NMR; Sesquiterpenes; β-Caryophyllene; Hydrogenated azulene

[1]. Adams, R. P. (2007). Identification Of Essential Oil Components By Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (4th Ed.). Allured Publishing Corporation.
[2]. Ademuyiwa, O. H., Ademosun, A. O., & Adefegha, S. A. (2023). The Potential Role Of Piper Guineense (Black Pepper) In Managing Brain Aging: A Review. Critical Reviews In Food Science And Nutrition, 63(19), 3035–3050.
[3]. Akinloye, O., Somade, O. T., & Oyewopo, A. O. (2020). Evaluation Of The Modulatory Effects Of Leaves And Seeds Of Piper Guineense On Egg Albumin-Induced Inflammation In Experimental Rat Models. Journal Of Ethnopharmacology, 258, 112927.
[4]. Bakkali, F., Averbeck, S., Averbeck, D., & Idaomar, M. (2008). Biological Effects Of Essential Oils – A Review. Food And Chemical Toxicology, 46(2), 446–475.
[5]. Bakun, P., Czarczynska-Goslinska, B., Goslinski, T., & Lijewski, S. (2021). In Vitro And In Vivo Biological Activities Of Azulene Derivatives With Potential Applications In Medicine. Medicinal Chemistry Research, 30, 834–846.

Abstract: The present study investigates the phytochemical composition and potential health benefits of Saraca asoca, a medicinal plant widely recognized in traditional Indian medicine. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed using bark, leaf and flower extracts to identify the major bioactive constituents. The analysis revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates and phytosterols. These compounds are known to contribute to multiple therapeutic effects, including regulation of gynaecological health, enhancement of uterine function, and potential anticancer activity through antioxidant and cytotoxic mechanisms. The findings substantiate the traditional medicinal use of S. asoca and emphasize its promise as a natural source of plant-derived compounds with significant health-promoting and disease-preventive properties.

Keywords: phytochemical, traditional Indian medicine, Saraca asoca

[1]. Nayak, S., Pinto Pereira, L. M., & Maharaj, D. (2011). Preliminary Phytochemical Screening And Anthelmintic Activity Of Leaves Of Saraca Indica. International Research Journal Of Pharmacy, 2(5), 194–197.
[2]. Pradhan, P., Joseph, L., Gupta, V., Chulet, R., Arya, H., Verma, R., & Bajpai, A. (2009). Saraca Asoca (Ashoka): A Review. Journal Of Chemical And Pharmaceutical Research, 1(1), 62–71.