Phytochemical Screening and Gas Chromatography‑Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Ethanol Extract of Scambiosa columbabria L.

Background: Scambiosa columbabria L. is commonly known as the wild scabious and is used in South Africa to treat various ailments such as wound bruises, painful menstruation, heartburn, and colic. Despite its extensive traditional usage, the bioactive constituents of this plant are yet to be explored. Objective: The present study was carried out to identify the bioactive constituents of the ethanol extract of S. columbabria by phytochemical screening and gas chromatography‑mass spectrometry (GC‑MS). Materials and Methods: Sixty grams of the powdered leaves was sequentially extracted by ethanol and later tested for preliminary phytochemical screening and further subjected to GC‑MS analysis. Results: The results showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, and saponins in the extract. The GC‑MS analysis revealed the presence of 16 major compounds, with flavonoids (40.84%) being the most represented chemical class. Conclusion: The findings indicated that the plant possesses compounds with biological activities and therefore justifies its traditional usage in the treatment of skin and other diseases.