Exploration of Pharmacognostic Attributes, Phytochemicals Constituents, and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Selected Indian Medicinal Plants

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the pharmacognostic properties, antioxidant activity in vitro, phytochemical constituents, and significant Indian medicinal botanicals, such as Tulsi, Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, and Cardamom. After obtaining the plant components from nearby sources, they were desiccated and then ground into minuscule particulates. Subsequently, a sequence of extractions was conducted utilizing Soxhlet machines and solvents progressively gaining polarity, including petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol. To evaluate the qualitative attributes of the plants, a number of physicochemical constants were calculated: total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble ash, and extractive values corresponding to alcohol and water solubility. Furthermore, a preliminary examination was undertaken in order to ascertain the existence of a number of phytochemical compounds. The assessment of the herbal extracts' antioxidant activity was performed utilizing DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, in addition to the determination of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC). The results revealed that the plants exhibited a diverse array of physicochemical features, indicating that they held different chemical compositions and potential applications. The plant extracts were analyzed using phytochemical analysis, which detected alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, oils, phenols, diterpenes, and saponins. The in vitro antioxidant experiments confirmed the concentration-dependent antioxidant effectiveness of the polyherbal extract against DPPH and ABTS radicals, indicating its potential for effective scavenging of free radicals. A rise in the concentration of the extract resulted in a conspicuous upsurge in the overall antioxidant capacity, showing a noteworthy potential for antioxidants. This study aims to improve understanding of the antioxidant capabilities, chemical profiles, and quality criteria of the native medicinal plants found in India. By doing this, it lays the foundation for future research and possible practical uses in therapy and product development.