Hasan Alauldeen Khalaf^1,2 , Ibrahim S Abbas¹, Vahid Reza Askari^3,4,5

Abstract

Purpose: To conduct a phytochemical mapping of ribwort plantain organs, with emphasis on organ-specific distribution of important bioactive compounds. Methods: Pharmacognostical and phytochemical characteristics of the plant parts were profiled using preliminary phytochemical screening, Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF), Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Results: Preliminary test and GC-MS analysis of the plant revealed various phytochemical constituents of the plant parts. The ED-XRF findings revealed a high calcium level with the absence of toxic heavy elements (Pb, Cd, As). The LC-ESI-MS detected isolated phytochemicals as Na+ adducts, while NMR elucidated their structures. Conclusion: The study revealed isolated accumulation of active metabolites, with flowers and roots demonstrating higher levels of catalpol and aucubin, respectively, while seeds showed the lowest concentration of acteoside.