Unlocking Antioxidant Potential in Symplocos racemosa Roxb. (Lodhra): A Phytochemical Exploration via High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Symplocos racemosa Roxb., typically referred to as Lodhra, is a highly esteemed medicinal plant in traditional Indian medicine. Belonging to the Symplocaceae family, it is recognized for its wide-ranging therapeutic benefits, particularly in supporting dermatological health and fostering skin rejuvenation. This study delves into the phytochemical composition of S. racemosa by employing high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) as a key analytical tool to assess its antioxidant potential. Antioxidants are bioactive compounds that mitigate oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals that can cause cellular damage and contribute to ageing and disease progression. Oxidative stress is a major contributor to various chronic diseases, and antioxidants play a vital role in mitigating the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Identifying and characterizing potent antioxidant molecules within natural sources like Lodhra could open pathways to various therapeutic approaches. Renowned in traditional medicine for its multifaceted therapeutic properties, Lodhra was therefore systematically analyzed to elucidate its diverse array of bioactive compounds. HRMS facilitated the identification and characterisation of these metabolites, revealing a complex and rich biochemical profile. Through HRMS, seven metabolites namely Diselane, Catechin, Fraxetin, Eriodictyol, Coumarin, Panaxynol, and Ursolic acid have been identified to exhibit significant antioxidant activity. In vitro tests showed strong free radical scavenging activity, clearly linking certain phytochemicals to their antioxidant effectiveness. Previous in vitro tests demonstrated strong free radical scavenging activity of the isolated components, clearly justifying their antioxidant effects. The findings of this study highlight the significance of Symplocos racemosa as a potent source of natural antioxidants. The characterization of its bioactive compounds paves the way for further pharmacological research and possible development of antioxidant-based therapeutics from Ayurvedic resources.