Standardization and GC-MS Analysis of Phytochemicals in Coccinia indica (Wight and Arn.) Fruits

Background: Coccinia indica, commonly known as the ivy gourd, is traditionally utilized for its diverse medicinal properties. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to standardize and evaluate the fruits of Coccinia indica by identifying the phytochemicals using GC-MS analysis. Materials and Methods: Standard methodologies were used for the standardization, including macroscopical, microscopical, physico-chemical evaluations and phytochemical screening. Additionally, GC-MS analysis was performed to identify key components in the plant extract and its fractions. Results: The T.S. of the fruits of C. indica showed a single epicarp, mesocarp and several fibro-vascular bundles, while the T.S. of the seed revealed the presence of a testa, tegmen, embryo, starch grains and several oil globules. The main findings were as follows: total ash 16.52±0.13% w/w, water-soluble ash 11.35±0.12% w/w, acid-insoluble ash 1.45±0.06% w/w, water-soluble extractive value 18.45±0.2% w/w, alcohol-soluble extractive value 8.80±0.11% w/w, moisture content 7.33±0.08% w/w and the pH of the aqueous extract was 5.63±0.07 (1% w/v) and 5.79±0.09 (10% w/v). Phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenolics and terpenoids. GC-MS analysis identified more than forty notable chemicals in the methanol extract and fractions of chloroform and hexane. Conclusion: This study provides key insights into the standardization of C. indica fruits and identifies 43 major secondary metabolites through GC-MS analysis. Notable compounds include taraxerone, squalene, lupeol and piperine, all with potential therapeutic benefits. Moreover, the choice of solvent for extraction and fractionation significantly influenced the phytochemical profile and concentrations.