Phytochemical profiling and chemical characterization of calyx extract of  <i>Tagetes erecta</i> by GC-MS

In the present study, the calyx of Tagetes erecta (Marigold), a sacred indigenous medicinal plant widely revered in India, was investigated to evaluate its phytochemical composition and chemical characterization. Most phytochemical studies on T. erecta have focused on flowers, leaves, roots, or essential oils, whereas the calyx remains comparatively unexplored. Objective of this study to establishes a detailed chemical profile of calyx constituents using GC–MS, creating a reference database for future applications. Air-dried calyx powder was extracted with ethanol using a Soxhlet extractor and the extract was analyzed by GC–MS. The GC–MS profile revealed a diverse array of volatile and semi-volatile compounds, including terpenoids, fatty acid derivatives, phenolics, and heterocyclic constituents, many of which are known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal properties. The extract was dominated by esters, namely phenylester (4.4%), alongside key fatty acids such as oleic acid (2.6%) and octadecanoic acids (2.0%). A minor fraction of the profile (<2%) consisted of various signaling and aromatic derivatives, including anisole, jasmonates, ethylene brassylate, and α-Hexylcinnamaldehyde. The identification of bioactive compounds is based on the retention time, peak area, molecular formula, and probability. This study provides the first or among the few comprehensive GC–MS-based investigations of the calyx extract. The findings highlight the calyx as a chemically rich yet underexplored plant part and support its potential as a sustainable source of natural bioactive agents for diverse biological, health related and environmental applications.