A Novel HPTLC Method Development For Simultaneous Estimation of Phytoconstituents in Ficus BenghalensisiIncluding QSAR Approach

Abstract

Background: Ficus benghalensis Linn., a member of the Moraceae family, is native to Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. This study focused on developing a high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method to simultaneously estimate lupeol and gallic acid in Ficus benghalensis. Methods: A methanolic extract from the leaves of Ficus benghalensis was prepared through maceration. HPTLC analysis for gallic acid and lupeol was conducted at 276 nm. Method validation was performed according to ICH guidelines for accuracy, precision, and repeatability. Results: The linearity range for gallic acid and lupeol was determined to be 1000–6000 ng/spot. In the methanolic extract, gallic acid and lupeol content were found to be 0.164 ng and 1.753 ng, respectively. The limits of detection (LOD) were 4919.495 ng for gallic acid and 3315.416 ng for lupeol, with limits of quantification (LOQ) at 14907.791 ng and 1004.671 ng, respectively. The developed method was observed to be accurate, precise, and simple, offering enhanced resolution from other phytoconstituents in the extract. This method can be effectively applied to assess the quality of herbal materials and formulations containing Ficus benghalensis. Conclusion: According to ICH guidelines, the HPTLC method developed for simultaneous estimation of lupeol and gallic acid proved to be accurate, precise, and specific. This method is valuable for the phytochemical standardization of methanolic leaf extracts of Ficus benghalensis, linking it with potential anti-stress and anti-depression effects.