Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Steroid profile analysis of Tinospora cordifolia and Glycyrrhiza glabra: comparative phytochemical investigation
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Kumari Kanchan, Sharma Anju, Agarwal Mala, Nehra Saheeram, Prasad Ravindra
Research Articles | Published: 13 January, 2026
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Keywords: n Tinospora cordifolian , n Glycyrrhiza glabran , Steroid, Therapeutic
Abstract
The therapeutic benefits of medicinal plants are well recognized, and secondary metabolites are essential to many pharmacological uses. Two such plants that have drawn interest are Tinospora cordifolia (“Guduchi” or “Giloy”) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (“Liquorice”). We used Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) and Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) to examine steroidal substances. The findings showed that the concentrations of steroids in the leaves of both plants are much higher than in the stems and callus, with G. glabra showing a significantly higher total steroid content (7.9 ± 0.34 mg/g dw in leaves) than T. cordifolia (4.50 ± 0.19 mg/g dw in leaves). Diosgenin sapogenithe major steroid sapogen in both plants by TLC analysis; this finding is supported by Rf values and melting points that align with industry standards for diosgenin. In addition, the GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of 25 and 38 bioactive chemicals, including steroids, esters, acids, and alcohols, in T. cordifolia and G. glabra, respectively. While G. glabra possessed a high concentration of citric acid derivatives, suggesting a wide range of pharmacological potential, T. cordifolia was known for its prominent compounds, which included 1,2-benzenediol derivatives. According to these results, G. glabra may be a more effective source of steroids and might be used to create medications with anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and immunomodulatory effects. Two novel steroids have been discovered for the first time in Tinospora cordifolia and Glycyrrhiza glabra, expanding the known phytochemical profile of these medicinal plants. The thorough phytochemical characterisation of these plants highlights their significance in both conventional and alternative medicine and provides opportunities for developing innovative therapeutic molecules that address various medical issues.
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Author Information
Department of Botany, Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University, Jhunjhunu, India