Phytochemical Profiling and FTIR Characterization of Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit

Hyptis suaveolens (Syn. Mesosphaerum suaveolens) is an aromatic plant species from lamiaceae family originated in the tropical regions of Mexico, South America, and the West Indies. It is naturalized in tropical parts of Asia, Australia and Africa and now considered as an obnoxious invasive species. The plant has been traditionally used for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. This study aims to investigate the phytochemical composition and functional groups of H. suaveolens   using qualitative phytochemical screening and FTIR. Fresh leaves were collected; shade dried, powdered and subjected to methanolic extraction using soxhlet apparatus. The powdered samples were analyzed to document the organoleptic characters. The powered samples were green with minty odour, bitter taste and fine texture. Colour changes in reaction to various chemicals/reagents indicated the presence of various secondary metabolites. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols. terpenoids/steriods etc.        FTIR is an effective tool to identify the therapeutic compounds and enhancing quality assurance. It provides detained chemical fingerprinting. Key absorption peaks in powdered sample as well as in methanolic extracts observed for functional groups such as O-H (phenols/flavonoids), C-H (alkanes/terpenoids), C=C or C=O (aromatic rings), and C-O/).C (ethers/esters). These confirmed the presence of phyto-compounds viz., 1,8-Cineole, Limonene, β-caryophyllene, Sabinene, Quercetin derivatives, and phenolic acids like caffeic acid. The comparative study revealed the presence of higher phenolic content in the powdered sample than in methanolic extract. This comprehensive profiling supports the medicinal importance of this plant aligning with its traditional uses. The investigation indicate significant potential for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, warranting further isolation and in vivo validation of its bioactive constituents.