Physicochemical, phytochemical, and GC–MS analysis of leaf and fruit of Pouteria campechiana (Kunth) Baehni

Medicinal plants have been used to treat various illnesses for decades. The present study supports thephysicochemical, phytochemical, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of themethanolic extract of Pouteria campechiana leaves and fruits, in order to propose that the bona fide plantmaterial is suitably for traditional use. The physicochemical evaluations and fluorescence analysis weredetermined according to standard protocols. The phytochemical constituents were carried out by bothqualitative and quantitative methods. The GC–MS analysis was carried out to identify the compounds present.The physicochemical parameters revealed that the total ash content of P. campechiana leaves is more than thefruit. The water-soluble ash value of P. campechiana leaves is less than the acid-soluble ash value of the leaf,but the water-soluble ash value of P. campechiana fruit is greater than the acid-soluble ash value of the fruit.The water-extractive value of P. campechiana leaves and fruit is better when compared to the alcohol-extractivevalue. Moisture content, swelling index, and foaming index were found to be greater in the leaves than the fruit.Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of various phytoconstituents. Quantitative analysisrevealed that the leaf extract consists of high phenolic compounds followed by total flavonoids and total tanninthan the fruit extract. The total alkaloid was found to be higher in the fruit extract than the leaf extract. Energydispersive X-ray spectrometer analysis of the leaves showed the presence of elements such as N, O, Cl, K, Ca,and C and fruits showed the presence of N, O, K, and C. The GC–MS analysis of P. campechiana leaf and fruitreveals the presence of 9 and 12 compounds, respectively. The results of the present study provide apparentinformation of the plant and also serve as an analytical tool for appropriate identification. Hence, this plantexhibits rich phytopharmaceutical importance.