Evaluation of Phytochemical and Antioxidant Potential of Lepidagathis Pungens Nees: A Therapeutic Application

Abstract

ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING OF LEPIDAGATHIS PUNGENS NEES: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS FOR THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

Abstract:

                          This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties, heavy metal content, inorganic elements, extract parameters, and antioxidant activities of Lepidagathis pungens Nees, a plant with potential health-promoting properties. The physicochemical analysis revealed the presence of ash values, moisture content, total fiber content, swelling index, and foaming index. Heavy metal content analysis showed that cadmium, nickel, mercury, lead, chromium, and arsenic levels were within the safe limits set by the World Health Organization, indicating the plant's safety for consumption. The presence of various essential inorganic elements such as calcium, chloride, copper, iron, magnesium, nitrate, phosphate, and potassium was also confirmed. Five different solvent extracts, including Oil ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and absolute ethanol extracts of the plant were obtained. from the whole plant, and their extractive values, colors, odors, and consistencies A determination was made. The methanol and aqueous extracts had the highest extractive values. The fluorescent analysis of the whole plant powder revealed various colors under daylight, long UV, and short UV light, depending on the solvent used. The antioxidant properties of the Lepidagathis pungens Nees extracts were assessed through their product scavenges superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and lipid peroxidations. An aqueous and methanol extract demonstrated the highest scavenging activities across all concentrations for both Lipid peroxidation and hydroxyl radicals. The scavenging activity increased in an inverse relationship between dose and response. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the potential of Lepidagathis pungens Nees as a source of antioxidant compounds, particularly in methanol and aqueous extracts. The safety profile and presence of essential inorganic elements in the plant suggest its potential for use in traditional medicine or as a dietary supplement. Further research into the Inhibitors of antioxidant activity: specific compounds could lead to the development of health-promoting products or therapeutic interventions utilizing the extracts' antioxidant properties.