Phytochemical screening, FTIR spectral analysis and hepatoprotective properties of Distimake dissectus (Jacq.) A.R. Simões & Staples

Abstract

Herbs used medicinally are a gift from nature to humans, helping to maintain, enhance, and protect our health in important ways. The current study investigates the phytochemical composition, FTIR spectral analysis, and hepatoprotective properties of Distimake dissectus (Jacq.) A.R. Simões & Staples. It is commonly called as ‘’alamo vine’’ belonging to family Convolvulaceae, is a perennial herb, weed and climber native to the United States and distributed across the globe. Traditionally, it is used to snakebite, urinary infection, sprains, cold and scabies chest problems, anti-asthmatic, anti- hyperglycemic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anticarcinogenic. Following a qualitative phytochemical extraction with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol, along with a hot continuous and successive extraction through a Soxhlet extractor. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenolic compounds, tannins, and glycosides, among other compounds, additionally the quantification of phytochemical content demonstrated the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and proanthocyanins content. FT-IR spectroscopic analysis revealed various characteristic peak values with various functional groups hydroxyl group, alkane, nitrile, alkyne, ester, aromatic, alkene groups and etc., The hepatoprotective activity of the methanolic extract was evaluated using the MTT assay, showing concentration-dependent inhibition of cancer cells. The study sheds light on the therapeutic qualities of Distimake dissectus and provides beneficial insights for pharmacology and drug development research. The discovery of hepatoprotective plant-based compounds in these plants may pave the way for the creation of novel therapeutic hepatoprotective agents.