Temporal diversity of phytochemicals in Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy), in accordance with seasonal variations: comparative analysis using UHPLC-PDA and HPTLC.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal variation influences the biosynthesis and accumulation of phytochemical compounds in plants, thereby affecting the qualitative and quantitative composition of phytochemicals. Investigation of these trends is crucial for ensuring the optimal collection time and consistency of metabolites. Although time specific collections of plant materials have been well-defined in classical Indian ancient literatures, however robust scientific validation has been rather limited. METHODS: Tinospora cordifolia stems were collected over a period of 24 months (Year 2022 to 2024) for phytochemical investigation. Bioactive constituents were extracted using hydro-methanol as the solvent and characterized by UHPLC-PDA analysis. Quantitative analytical method was validated in accordance with ICH-Q2 (R1) guidelines. Chemical fingerprinting was performed using HPTLC. RESULTS: UHPLC-PDA analysis of Tinospora cordifolia stems facilitated the identification and quantification of three key bioactive compounds including cordifolioside A, magnoflorine and β-ecdysone, whereas HPTLC generated a distinct chemical fingerprint for the studied samples. The chromatographic method was found to be suitable, specific, linear, accurate, and robust for quantitative analysis. The concentration of magnoflorine, β-ecdysone and cordifolioside A were found to be range between 5.0 and 54.5 ng/mg, 5.5 to 28.0 ng/mg and 154.0 to 289.0 ng/mg, respectively. Seasonal variation study revealed that the concentration of these three phytochemical compounds was highest during monsoon (August), lowest in winters (December to February), and moderate in spring and summer (rest of the year). Therefore, monsoon season seems like an appropriate time for the collection of Tinospora cordifolia stems, as advised in classical Indian medicinal text. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the significance of temporal diversity of phytochemical profiles with response to seasonal variation in herbs. This study also provides a systematic harvesting framework for determining optimal collection period of Tinospora cordifolia in order to maximize the consistency of pharmacological active phytochemical compounds.