Phytochemical Assessment and FTIR Analysis with UHPLC–MS-Based Characterization of Leaf and Root Extracts of Bryophyllumpinnatum

Abstract

Bryophyllum pinnatum is a medicinal plant that is renowned for its therapeutic potential and diverse phytochemical composition. The objective of the current investigation was to assess the phytochemical profile, quantify significant secondary metabolites, and characterize bufadienolide compounds in leaf and root extracts through FTIR analysis. The presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, phenols, sterols, and saponins was identified through qualitative screening, with a greater abundance in the leaves. The leaf extract exhibited substantially higher levels of tannins (5.45 ± 0.22 mg/g GAE), alkaloids (2.98 ± 0.09 mg/g AE), phenolics (2.62 ± 0.10 mg/g FCAE), and flavonoids (2.54 ± 0.48 mg/g QE) than the root extract, as demonstrated by quantitative estimation. The presence of bufadienolide-type compounds was confirmed by the presence of a characteristic α, β-unsaturated lactone peak (~1731 cm⁻¹) in the leaf extract, which closely matched the bufalin standard (~1727 cm⁻¹) under FTIR investigation. Conversely, the root extract did not exhibit this characteristic peak. UHPLC–MS analysis further confirmed the presence of bufadienolide compounds, including bryophyllin A and related derivatives, based on retention time and mass spectral data. In general, the findings suggest that the leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum are a more abundant source of bioactive metabolites, notably bufadienolides, which underscores their potential for pharmacological applications.