Spectrophotometric Analysis of Carbohydrates, Proteins, Amino Acids, and Metals in Leaf and Stem Extracts of Cistaceae

Abstract

Although the plants of the Cistaceae family have historically been prized for their medicinal qualities, thorough comparative studies of various plant components are frequently lacking. The goal of this investigation was to estimate the total carbohydrate total protein by spectrophotometer, and to estimate the concentrations of Iron, Copper, and Nickel by atomic absorption, also to compare the phytochemical and biochemical makeup of leaf and stem extracts from a Cistus species to identify the most useful component of the plant for potential uses. Qualitative phytochemical screening for key secondary metabolites was performed on alcoholic and aqueous extracts of leaves and stems. In addition, quantitative analyses were carried out to ascertain the overall content of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, and specific minerals (Fe, Ni, and Cu). The phytochemical screening findings demonstrated that leaves have a substantially higher concentration of bioactive ingredients, with aqueous extracts containing high amounts of flavonoids and both extracts containing moderate amounts of tannins and saponins, as compared to stems. Compared to the stems (0. 541 and 0. 272), respectively, the quantitative analysis also confirmed the superiority of the leaves, which had much higher concentrations of total proteins (1. 983 ppm) and amino acids (0. 541 ppm). In contrast, the stems, which function in nutrient storage, had a greater total carbohydrate content (0. 359 ppm) than the leaves (0. 137 ppm). The iron content of the leaves was similar to that of the mineral analysis, but the copper and nickel levels were slightly higher. These data provide conclusive evidence of a distinct biochemical division between the two organs and establish the leaves as a better source of both vital nitrogenous molecules and secondary metabolites of medicinal value. Prioritizing the use of Cistus leaves in the creation of phyto pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals is supported by this solid scientific argument