Phytochemical Analysis of Cassia fistula L. Leaf Extract

ABSTRACT Cassia fistula L. (Caesalpiniaceae) is a perennial non‐climbing canopy tree, usually known as golden shower, cultivated as a decorative plant distributed throughout India. The chemical constituents of C. fistula leaf hexane extract were analyzed by high‐resolution gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HRGC‐MS). Forty compounds were identified, comprising 93.9% of the total extract. The major constituents were β ‐sitosterol (16.2%), α ‐amyrin (13.8%), α ‐tocopherol (vitamin E) (13.0%), n ‐hentriacontane (12.6%), n ‐nonacosane (8.0%), and linoleic acid (6.7%). The extract contained a diverse array of triterpenoids (19.9%), sterols (19.8%), and chromane terpenoids (13.8%). This study presents an in‐depth analysis of the chemical composition of the hexane extract from C. fistula leaves, emphasizing the presence of bioactive triterpenoids, sterols, and chromane terpenoids. These constituents are noteworthy for their potential biological activities and health benefits.