PHYTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION, HPTLC FINGERPRINT PROFILING, AND ANTIMICROBIAL EVALUATION OF AEGLE MARMELOS SEED EXTRACTS

Medicinal plants represent an important source of naturally occurring bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications. Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa, commonly known as Bael, has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical constituents of Aegle marmelos seed extracts, establish their High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprint profiles, and evaluate their antimicrobial activity. The seeds were collected, authenticated, dried, and powdered before extraction using selected solvents, including methanol, ethanol, and water. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed to identify the major classes of secondary metabolites present in the extracts. HPTLC analysis was conducted using an appropriate chromatographic system to obtain characteristic fingerprint profiles based on the observed spots and their corresponding retention factor (Rf) values. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was evaluated using the selected experimental method. The combined findings of phytochemical screening, chromatographic profiling, and antimicrobial testing were intended to provide information on the chemical composition and biological potential of the seed extracts. HPTLC fingerprinting may also serve as a useful analytical approach for the identification, comparison, and quality assessment of the investigated extracts. The study provides a basis for further investigation of Aegle marmelos seeds as a potential source of biologically active constituents.