QUALITATIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF INDIGENOUS MEDICINAL PLANT ROSA DAMASCENA

Rosa damascena Mill. (Rosaceae), commonly known as Damask rose, is an important aromatic and medicinal plant widely used in traditional systems of medicine and valued for its diverse therapeutic and functional properties. The present study was undertaken to conduct a preliminary qualitative phytochemical analysis of the extract of R. damascena and establish a basic phytochemical profile that may support further pharmacognostic and pharmacological investigations. The plant material was collected, authenticated, dried under suitable conditions, powdered, and extracted using an appropriate solvent. The prepared extract was subjected to standard qualitative phytochemical tests for the detection of major primary and secondary metabolites. The screening indicated the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, carbohydrates, amino acids, and anthocyanin-type compounds, while the presence of some other constituents varied according to the observed chemical reactions. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids were among the prominently detected phytochemical groups. The presence of these bioactive constituents may provide a preliminary chemical basis for the previously reported antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiarrhoeal, hepatoprotective, and other pharmacological activities of R. damascena. The findings are also consistent with the traditional medicinal importance of the plant and support its potential applications in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food, and healthcare sectors. However, qualitative phytochemical screening provides only preliminary information regarding the probable presence of broad classes of compounds and does not confirm their identity or concentration. Further studies using quantitative phytochemical estimation and advanced analytical techniques, including TLC/HPTLC, HPLC, LC–MS/MS, and GC–MS, are recommended for comprehensive characterization and quality standardization. The present study provides a preliminary phytochemical baseline for the scientific evaluation and future development of R. damascena as a standardized medicinal plant.