Comprehensive Analysis of Atalantia racemosa Wight: Pharmacognostical Assessment, Phytochemical Profiling, and Antioxidant Potential.

Abstract

Introduction:  The use of plant remedies in order to cure a variety of illnesses has been documented since antiquity. Although historically the use of phytomedicines was based on irrational experience, today's use is increasingly supported by scientific data. Numerous medicinal plants with similar morphologies belonging to the same genus can be mistakenly identified, which may result in the loss of efficacy and safety.

Objectives: This study is aimed to explore pharmacognostic characteristics, phytochemical composition and in-vitro antioxidant activity of leaves and stems of Atalantia racemosa Wight.

Methods: The study of leaf and stem micromorphology of Atalantia racemosa Wight unveiled distinctive features that contribute to the identification of the species. Evaluation of physicochemical parameters like extractive values, ash values, loss on drying, fluorescence analysis helps in assessing quality.  The antioxidant activity was carried out by total polyphenolic content, total flavonoid content, reducing power assay, and DPPH free radical scavenging assay.

Result: Phytochemical screening of leaves and stems shows presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, glycosides, saponins and flavonoids, etc. The high total phenolic and flavonoid content observed in the extracts suggest the presence of potent antioxidants. Both extracts showed dose-dependent scavenging activity, with increasing concentrations leading to higher DPPH % inhibition.

Conclusion: - Study of morphology, microscopy, powder characteristics, physicochemical parameters as well as phytochemical evaluation helps in the identification and standardization of Atalantia racemosa Wight and also for carrying out further research. The study demonstrates the antioxidant potential of ethanolic extracts of stems and leaves of Atalantia racemosa plant.