ABSTRACT
Comparative TLC, PC and GLC analysis of the extracts of five Melaleuca species grown in Egypt viz. M. armillaris Sol.ex Gaerther, M. bracteata. F. Mne, M. elliptica Smith, M.quinquenervia Cav, and M. styphelloides Smith [Fam. Myrtaceae], revealed similarities in their phytoconstituents. TLC and GLC analysis of the unsaponifiable matter indicated that cholesterol, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol and oleanolic acid are present in all species except, stigmasterol which could not be detected in M. armillaris while beta-amyrin was detected in M. armillaris leaf and stem. GLC analysis of the fatty acid methyl esters revealed high percentage of saturated fatty acids with palmitic acid as the main constituent. Flavonoids were studied using paper chromatography, while saponins were studied by TLC and their percentages were determined by the haemolytic index