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Admin Dec 31, 2025

Exploring Bioactive Compounds in Peach Germplasm from Swat, Pakistan

Plants have been used as sources of medicine since ancient times, long before the development of modern pharmaceuticals. Even today, phytochemicals and bioactive compounds extracted from plants play a critical role in healthcare, nutrition, and functional foods. With this perspective, our research explored the biotic (phytochemical) composition of selected peach (Prunus persica L.) germplasm from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Swat, Pakistan, a region rich in plant biodiversity.

Why Study Peach Phytochemistry?

Peach is not only valued for its fruit but also for its potential medicinal properties. Different peach genotypes may vary significantly in their phytochemical composition, influencing their nutritional value and therapeutic potential. Understanding this variation can support plant breeding, conservation, and the development of plant-based health products.

Research Approach

In this study, ethanolic extracts of peach leaves from selected germplasm were screened for a wide range of phytochemical constituents. Standard qualitative tests were performed to detect compounds such as:

  • Tannins

  • Alkaloids

  • Phenols

  • Saponins

  • Steroids

  • Quinones

  • Oils

  • Carbohydrates

To further validate the findings, Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was used to confirm and compare the presence of alkaloids and terpenoids across different peach genotypes.

Key Findings

The results revealed that all tested peach germplasm contained major phytochemical groups, including tannins, alkaloids, phenols, saponins, steroids, and oils. However, variation was observed in compounds such as flavonoids, coumarins, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, phlobatannins, and anthraquinones.

Several genotypes—A2, Flame Crust, 4.5, 669 No.2, Florida King, Early Grand, and Spring Crust—showed the presence of nearly all tested bioactive compounds, except anthraquinones. Coumarins were absent in Early Grand.

TLC analysis provided deeper insight:

  • Alkaloids were present in all germplasm, with the highest Rf value observed in Early Green, indicating a higher alkaloid concentration.

  • Terpenoids were particularly abundant in Peach No.2, showing the highest Rf values compared to other genotypes.

These findings suggest that Early Green is rich in alkaloids, while No.2 is especially rich in terpenoids, highlighting genotype-specific biochemical strengths.

Scientific and Practical Importance

This research demonstrates that peach germplasm from Swat possesses significant phytochemical diversity with potential applications in:

  • Herbal and traditional medicine

  • Functional foods and nutraceuticals

  • Plant breeding and genetic conservation

  • Pharmaceutical and agricultural research

Identifying germplasm rich in specific bioactive compounds can guide future research, commercial utilization, and conservation strategies.

Conclusion

The study confirms that peach is more than a fruit crop—it is a valuable source of bioactive compounds. Genotype-specific variation in phytochemical composition underscores the importance of conserving diverse peach germplasm and exploring its potential for medicinal and nutritional applications.

? Read the Full Research Article

The complete paper, including detailed phytochemical screening methods and TLC results, is available on ResearchGate:

Screening of Biotic Compounds and Thin Layer Chromatography of Selected Peach Germplasm of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Swat, Pakistan
? https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351308545_Screening_of_Biotic_Compounds_and_Thin_Layer_Chromatography_of_Selected_Peach_Germplasm_of_Khyber_Pakhtunkhwa_Swat_Pakistan

✍️ Author Note

Dr. Shabana Irum is a Plant Biotechnologist specializing in plant tissue culture, phytochemistry, and fruit crop biotechnology, with a strong research focus on sustainable agriculture and conservation of plant genetic resources.