Physiochemical analysis and HPLC-PDA method for quantification of stigmasterol in Dipteracanthus patulus (Jacq.) Nees

Background

Plant-based foods provide, not only essential nutrients needed for life, but also other bioactive compounds for health promotion and disease prevention. Standardization is an essential measure of quality, purity and authenticity. The present study focuses on the investigation of physiochemical parameters and to identify and quantify Stigmasterol from the leaves of Dipteracanthus patulus (Jacq.) Nees.

Methods

Physiochemical analyses like total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, moisture content (Loss on Drying) and extractive values were calculated by standard procedures. High performance liquid chromatography with photo diode array detector (HPLC-PDA) was used to quantify Stigmasterol in the methanolic leaves extract of D. patulus.

Results

The percentage of the total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash and moisture content (Loss on Drying) were 9.1%, 1.3%, 6.2% and 4.1% respectively. The methanolic extractive value was found to be higher (13.4%). HPLC analysis revealed that the methanolic leaves extract showed the presence of Stigmasterol and the content was 0.22 mg/g dry weight which supports the biological potency of the plant.

Conclusion

Physiochemical analyses have shown the purity and quality of crude drug. Quantitative estimation by HPLC-PDA revealed the presence of good percentage of stigmasterol in D. patulus. This study has grasped the importance since stigmasterol possesses lipid peroxidation inhibitory action and anticancer activity. These features make this plant a promising candidate for the further studies on isolation and pharmacological studies of this compound from D. patulus.