Phytochemical Analysis of Indian Stinging Plants: An Initiative Towards Development of Future Novel Biothreat Agents for Self-defence

Abstract

This manuscript discusses the phytochemical analysis of stinging plants and/or their biological toxins as novel future bio-threat agents that may be used for self-defence purpose. The selected stinging plants namely, Urtica dioica L., Tragia involucrata L., Carduus nutans L. and Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC, have dual role as nutraceutical and ethno-pharmacological uses apart from their less-explored stinging property. The phytochemical analyses of their secondary metabolites including phenolics, terpene and N-containing compounds were measured. M. pruriens showed maximum total phenolic content (~1004 µg g−1 dry wt) followed by those of T. involucrata, C. nutans and U. dioica. Similarly, the flavonoid content was also found highest (~500 µg of QE g−1 dry wt) in M. pruriens. However, the tannin content was maximum (~654 µg g−1 dry wt) in T. involucrata followed by M. pruriens. Likewise, the terpenoid content was maximum (~350 µg of Lil g−1 dry wt) in U. dioica followed by M. pruriens, T. involucrata and C. nutans. FRSA was maximum (~31%) in M. pruriens. However, the oil content was highest in T. involucrata followed by U. dioica, M. pruriens and C. nutans. In addition, the alkaloid content was maximum (~523 µg of AE g−1 dry wt) in M. pruriens. These findings clearly suggest that M. pruriens has higher potential for harvesting of toxic compounds as compared to other studied plants for the formulation of novel future bio-threat agents for self-defence. However, detailed work is required for identification of the precise stinging chemical components.