Application of Standardized Phytochemical Tests for Metabolite Profiling in <i>Chenopodium ambrosioides</i> L. and Microscopy Characterization

Classical phytochemical tests offer a rapid and reliable approach for detecting key bioactive compounds in Chenopodium ambrosioides L. Profiling plays a crucial role in establishing its therapeutic usefulness and future as a natural source of medicinal agents. The aim of this study is to formulate pharmacological standards for C. ambrosioides L., a medicinal plant from the Chenopodiaceae family, to verify its quality and authenticity in herbal compositions. The aerial portions were analyzed macroscopically and microscopically, and phytochemicals were detected. The leaves have serrated margins, a reticulate venation system, and a resinous surface. However, microscopic analysis was conducted on bifacial leaves with spongy parenchyma and distinct palisade (single-layered cylindrical cells), along with diacytic stomata predominantly on the lower epidermis. A palisade ratio of 5.6 ± 0.43, a vein islet count of 14.8 ± 2.65, and a vein termination count of 7.1 ± 1.79. The stomatal indices of 16.44 ± 1.69 (upper epidermis) and 18.67 ± 2.39 (lower epidermis) were critical leaf constants. Reagents that included HNO₃ (brick red), FeCl₃ (purple), and NaOH (blackish purple) caused noticeable color shifts in fluorescence analysis under UV light, which helped with authenticity. The absence of proteins and alkaloids was confirmed, whereas phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, fixed oils, and volatile oils. Besides, the results recommend the use of C. ambrosioides in traditional and contemporary herbal medicine in the long term through the provision of the necessary reference data in the identification, standardization, and quality control of the substance. The focus on the therapeutic role of the plant, as well as herbal markets' concerns about adulteration, makes the study an interlink between traditional and scientific findings.