Phytochemical Screening and Bioactive Compound Estimation of Colebrookea oppositifolia

Colebrookea oppositifolia, a traditionally valued medicinal plant, was investigated for its phytochemical constituents using different solvent extracts. The aerial parts of the plant were shade-dried, powdered, and subjected to sequential extraction using n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed a wide distribution of secondary metabolites, with methanol extract showing the highest diversity, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenolics, and glycosides. Chloroform and n-hexane fractions were particularly rich in terpenoids and steroids, while ethyl acetate extract demonstrated moderate amounts of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These findings confirm that solvent polarity plays a critical role in the extraction of specific phytochemicals. The results provide a scientific basis for the plant's traditional therapeutic applications and point to its potential as a source of bioactive compounds for future pharmacological research. Further studies, including compound isolation and bioactivity assays, are recommended to explore its full medicinal potential.