Taxonomic authentication and phytochemical characterization of an endangered medicinal species, Cordia macleodii (Boraginaceae), for pharmaceutical advancement and conservation in Central India

Abstract

Cordia macleodii (Griff.) Hook. f. & Thomson (Boraginaceae), locally known as Dahiman, is an endangered medicinal tree of Central India. Accurate taxonomic authentication and systematic phytochemical characterization are important for its conservation and for evaluating its potential medicinal applications. This study aimed to integrate taxonomic characterization with qualitative and quantitative phytochemical assessment of C. macleodii leaves and bark. Field surveys were conducted between 2021 and 2024 across 24 forest divisions in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, resulting in the identification and documentation of 262 individuals. Morphological characters were examined and compared with herbarium specimens to establish diagnostic traits. Leaf and bark samples were extracted using 70% ethanol, 70% methanol, and distilled water. Qualitative screening was performed for major phytochemical groups, while total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were quantified using catechol and quercetin as standards, respectively. Morphological examination confirmed distinctive diagnostic characteristics, including light brown papery bark, cordate-based ovate leaves with a densely tomentose abaxial surface, pentamerous or hexamerous flowers, drupaceous fruits with a single exalbuminous seed, and dioecious floral structures. Flowering commenced in the first week of March, with anthesis observed between 07:30 and 10:30 and butterfly-mediated pollination. Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, tannins, coumarins, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, phlobatannins, glycosides, sterols, terpenoids, quinones, and oxalates, with substantial variation according to plant tissue and extraction solvent. The highest TPC was recorded in the ethanolic bark extract (11.72 mg CE/g), whereas the highest TFC was detected in the methanolic bark extract (12.19 mg QE/g) . The integrated taxonomic and phytochemical assessment provides reliable morphological markers for field identification and demonstrates substantial variation in the secondary metabolite profile of C. macleodii according to tissue and solvent. The findings support the ethnomedicinal relevance of the species and provide a scientific basis for its conservation, sustainable propagation, and further pharmacological investigation.