GC-MS analysis in some species of genus Leucas R.Br. from Marathwada

The genus Leucas R.Br., a significant member of the family Lamiaceae, comprises approximately 200 species worldwide, with 43 species occurring in India. In Maharashtra, it is represented by 21 species. Phytochemical studies have been conducted on only a few species of this genus. The present investigation focuses on three specie viz. Leucas cephalotes (Roth.) Spreng., Leucas martinicensis (Jacq.) R.Br., and Leucas stricta Benth., as limited work has been carried out on their phytochemistry. Plant material was collected from various localities in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. This study aimed to profile the phytochemical composition of these species using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Ethanolic extracts of the plant materials were prepared, and their chemical constituents were analyzed to identify bioactive compounds. The analysis revealed numerous bioactive substances known for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The results demonstrated both similarities and differences in the chemical profiles of the three species, underscoring their unique and shared potential medicinal applications. This research provides valuable insights into the phytochemistry of Leucas species and lays the groundwork for further studies on their applications in traditional medicine and modern drug development.