Quality control standardization and antioxidant activity of roots from Eriosema chinense

Abstract

BackgroundRoots of the plant Eriosema chinense Vogel are used as a vegetable by the people of Northern Australia and North East India. Traditionally, the roots of the plant are used for the treatment of diarrhea by the tribal people of North East India. AimThe present study was undertaken to perform quality control standardization and to evaluate antioxidant activity of roots from Eriosema chinense. MethodsThe roots were examined macroscopically, microscopically and various physicochemical parameters were evaluated using standard guidelines. Further, quantitative estimations of different phytoconstituents along with standardization of ethanol extract with HPTLC using lupinifolin as a marker compound was also done. The extract was also evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity using different experimental models. ResultsThe brown coloured bulb shaped, hairy roots showed the presence of cortical cells densely filled with tannins, lignified sclerenchymatous pericyclic fibers and central lignified xylem vessels with spiral thickening. Physicochemical parameters evaluated included ash values, extractive values, loss on drying, foaming index, swelling index, foreign matter, crude fiber content, pesticide residue and heavy metal analysis which were found to be in prescribed limits, Fluorescence powder drug analysis and total number of starch grains was also evaluated while total hemolytic activity was found to be moderate. Phytochemical screening of different extracts and quantitative estimations revealed the extract to be rich in carbohydrates, flavonoid, phenols and tannins, while lupinifolin quantified by HPTLC in ethanol extract was found to be 6.48% w/w. In vitro antioxidant studies depicted a potent antioxidant activity of extract that may be attributed to the presence of higher amount of flavonoids, phenols and tannins. ConclusionThe quality control standards obtained in the present study will provide referential information to researchers for proper identification and authentication of plant and will help in maintaining its pharmaceutical, botanical and economical importance.