Grewia hirsuta Vahl. Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract: Phytochemical and Acute Toxicological Studies

Abstract

Objective Grewia hirsuta Vahl. is a shrub grown in high altitudes like Himalayan and Western Ghats. The plant is rich in antioxidants used as a nerve tonic as an anti-diabetic analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Literature review indicated that there were no reported systemic studies on phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity.Methods Grewia hirsuta Vahl. was evaluated with phytochemical and toxicological studies - ash contents extractive values and phytochemical screening. The quantitative microscopy along with histology of leaf was reported in the literature. UV FTIR and HPLC studies were used to estimate total phenolic content flavonoid content and tannin content. The oral acute toxicity was performed as per OECD guidelines 425.Results The fingerprint region from 3392.12 to 823.14 cm-1 is allocated for functional groups of primary amines ketone alcohols and phenols. FTIR spectral interpretation confirmed the same. UV spectral analysis reported total phenolic content flavonoid content and tannin content to be 12.35 microgml Catechol equivalents 15.5 microgml Quercetin equivalents and 16.00 microgml tannic acid equivalents. The extract did not show any acute toxicity and mortality at the dose of 2 gkg when observed for two weeks.Conclusion The hyrdoethanolic extract contains phytochemicals like phenolic hydroxyl phenolic acid groups flavonoids and tannins. The plant extract was found to be safe in animals used in the study