Phytochemical Screening of Aloe Vera and Aegle Marmelos and their Potential Medicinal Properties

Abstract

The research seeks to explore the phytochemical compounds found in two plants with medical value namely Aloe vera and Aegle marmelos, both of which are highly used in Indian medicine. In their most popularised form, there is a dearth of research in standardised tabletop phytochemical testing in uniform laboratory conditions. In this research, conventional the presence of secondary metabolites namely qualitative approaches were used to identify saponins, tannins, glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the two plants. The findings indicated that both species contained a good amount of bioactive constituents, with the aloe vera having very high concentrations of flavonoids and tannins and Aegle marmelos being especially rich in alkaloids and terpenoids. Initial antimicrobial evaluations indicated low degree of inhibition zones on typical human virulent pathogens corroborating their therapeutic usefulness. These results are consistent with past research reports yet they also point to the need to continue pharmacological and toxicological tests. This study supports the importance of the combination of the traditional knowledge and modern scientific approach and recommends that both plants have excellent potential to yield plant- based therapeutic agents.

Introduction

With rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), there's renewed interest in plant-based medicines (phytotherapy). Aloe vera and Aegle marmelos (Bael) have been key players in traditional Indian medical systems (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani) but lack modern molecular validation.

• Aloe vera: Known for anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and immunomodulatory effects due to compounds like aloin, emodin, and polysaccharides.

• Aegle marmelos: Exhibits antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and gastroprotective properties through constituents like marmelosin, skimmianine, and flavonoids.

Objectives:

1. Identify key phytochemicals (e.g., flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides).

2. Evaluate antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus using ethanol-based plant extracts.

Methodology:

• Plant Collection: Fresh leaves collected pre-monsoon, taxonomically verified.

• Extraction: Soxhlet extraction with 95% ethanol; extracts stored at 4°C.

• Phytochemical Screening: Standard qualitative tests for 8 classes of secondary metabolites.

• Antimicrobial Testing: Disc diffusion method on E. coli and S. aureus.

Key Results:

Phytochemical Findings:

• Aloe vera: High in flavonoids, glycosides, steroids → supports skin healing, inflammation reduction, and metabolic applications.

• Aegle marmelos: Rich in alkaloids, phenols, tannins → linked to stronger antimicrobial and gastrointestinal benefits.

Antimicrobial Activity (100 mg/mL):

• A. marmelos showed stronger antimicrobial activity, likely due to higher alkaloid and phenol content.

Interpretation & Insights:

• Both plants confirm their traditional uses through scientifically validated phytoconstituents.

• The synergy between alkaloids and flavonoids in A. marmelos may explain its better antimicrobial performance.

• Despite modest inhibition zones, results align with literature; more sensitive tests (e.g., MIC, MBC, HPLC) are needed for conclusive insights.

Conclusion

This current study has reviewed critically the phytochemical contents of aloe vera and aegle marmelos using the qualitative screening mechanism to confirm the use of these plants in traditional medicine. The bioactive properties as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and glycosides were identified in both plants, thus explaining their possible relevance in pharmacology. The presence of these secondary metabolites has been well linked to antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties and scientific support as to why they have been included in natural medicines. High evidence of reported to have wound healing, flavonoids and tannins, which have been antimicrobial, and free radical scavenging functions, was shown in aloe vera. Specific quantities of alkaloids and terpenoids, which are connected to anti-microbial and anti- diabetic activity, were remarkable in Aegle marmelos. Despite the phytochemical analysis being the major study that this participatory process conducted, the initial antimicrobial remarks indicated some weak antimicrobial effects of the crude extracts against a few human pathogens.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Darshit R. Goyani, Dr. Arti A. Raval. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.