Abstract
The root of Hemidesmus indicus (L) R. Br. is a very rich source of secondary metabolites which are used in the pharmaceutical industry. It is also used as flavoring agent in soft drinks. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the roots of an elite ecotype were carried out for estimation of secondary metabolites and HPLC method was used for determination of important compounds like 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, lupeol and several other unreported important derivatives. The quantity of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde and lupeol in the plant material were detected as 0. 2638 mg/g, and 0.1994 mg/g, respectively. The related phenolic compounds of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde were gentisic acid and vanillic acid and those of lupeol (triterpenes) were alpha-amyrin and beta-amyrin. The reported results would help the pharmaceutical industry and create awareness for identification and propagation of the elite ecotype of H. indicus, since the compounds can be widely used in traditional as well as modern medicinal systems.