In Vitro Antioxidant Activity, Pharmacognostical Evaluation, HPTLC and FTIR Fingerprinting of Phyllanthus Acidus L. Stem Bark Extract for Better Application in Phytotherapy

Background: For safe and efficacious use of natural products, quality control of the crude drug is of paramount importance. Due to lack of scientific investigations pertaining to quality control phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels, the present study was undertaken. Objective: The aim of the study is to establish various pharmacognostical and phytochemical parameters, including both macro and microscopic studies, along with HPTLC and FTIR fingerprinting analysis, total phenolic and flavonoid content of stem bark of Phyllanthus acidus, followed by exploring its anti-oxidant potential. Method: The determination of total phenolic and flavonoid content was done by various colorimetric assays. DPPH assay was used to establish antioxidant activity. Physiochemical analysis was carried out and presence of various functional groups was determined using various techniques like HPTLC, FTIR analysis and colorimetric assays. Result: The phytochemical screening showed the presence of various phytoconstituents like phenols, carbohydrates, flavonoid, tannins and terpenoids. in various solvent systems. Total phenolic was established as 189.74±0.52mg GAE/g and flavonoid content was found to be38.92±0.47 mg QE/g. Concentration of heavy metal was within acceptable limits. The stem bark showed comparable antioxidant activity in methanolic and aqueous extract showed IC50 values of 26.92 and 26.52 respectively compared to ascorbic acid having IC50 value of 31.82. HPTLC fingerprinting envisaged the presence of several phytoconstituents in Phyllanthus acidus. The FTIR analysis established the presence of phenolic functional groups. Conclusion: The referential information provided by this study will be useful to determine and manage adulterations in raw material. The study also provides insight into antioxidant property of this plant validating its ethno pharmacological use as a natural antioxidant.