Abstract

The present study deals with evaluation of phytochemical variations in terms of primary and secondary metabolites in 4 important medicinal plants, viz. Arisaema tortuosum (Whipcord lilly), Corbichonia decumbens (Stone plant), Dipcadi erythraeum (Piazi) and Withania coagulans (Paneer bandth) of the Rajasthan. The primary metabolites such as leaf pigments (Chl. a, Chl. b, total chlorophylls and carotenoids), proline, osmotic potential, total sugars, crude protein, phosphorus and secondary ones like total alkaloids and phenols were estimated during different growth stages/months/seasons in selected plants. Results revealed that in D. erythraeum, except osmotic potential and total sugars, all parameters were showed significant variations. The peak concentrations of total alkaloids and phenols in A. tortuosum were observed during August and October, respectively. In C. decumbens, maximum values of total chlorophylls were recorded during vegetative whereas total sugars and phosphorus in fruiting stage. The maximum values of total chlorophylls in W. coagulans were observed during winter followed by summer and minimum in rainy season. Phosphorus content was reported to be maximum during rainy season.

Keywords: Leaf pigments, Sugars, Alkaloids, Phenols, medicinal plants, Rajasthan