Phytochemical Potential, in Vitro Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents from the Leaves Extracts of Blumea Lacera Collected from Giridih District, Jharkhand

Abstract

Blumea lacera (DC.) DC., a member of the Asteraceae family, traditionally finds use in various ailments across different Indian regions. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical potential, in vitro antioxidant activity, and total phenolic and flavonoid content of B. lacera leaf extracts harvested from Giridih district, Jharkhand. Dried leaf samples were exhaustively extracted with ethanol. Phytochemical profiling was conducted using standard chemical tests and spectrophotometric method. DPPH and ABTS assays were employed to evaluate antioxidant activity. Total phenolics and flavonoids were quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids, suggesting diverse bioactive potential. TLC analysis identified chlorogenic acid and chicoric acid as major phenolic compounds. Both DPPH and ABTS assays confirmed significant antioxidant activity, exceeding that of ascorbic acid, a known antioxidant standard. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found to be high, further corroborating the observed antioxidant capacity. This study demonstrates the remarkable phytochemical potential and potent antioxidant activity of B. lacera leaves from Giridih district. The abundance of identified phenolics and flavonoids likely contributes to the observed in vitro antioxidant activity, suggesting potential nutraceutical and pharmacological applications. Further research is warranted to explore the in vivo efficacy and specific bioactive compounds responsible for the observed effects.