Abstract

PHYTO-PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION AND HPTLC FINGERPRINTING OF WILD LEAFY VEGETABLES: Leptadenia reticulata and Premna corymbosa

Veena George*, Rahul K, Toms Augustine, Christopher G, Jinu John

ABSTRACT

Background: The aim of the present study is to understand the phyto-pharmacological properties of two wild leafy vegetables, Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wt & Arn and Premna corymbosa (Roth) consumed by the Irula tribes of Attappady region in the Southern Western Ghats. Methodology: Leaves of these plants were extracted with methanol and analyzed for phytochemical composition and HPTLC studies were carried out. The antioxidant potential of these plants was then screened using DPPH, Phosphomolybdenum reduction assay and Total Phenolic assay. Results: Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, tannins, cardiac glycosides and steroids in both the extracts. HPTLC fingerprinting of these plant extracts showed multiple components characterized by different Rf values. Some of those components showed fluorescence at 366nm. The developed chromatogram was further analyzed by derivatization with Anazalidehyde sulphuric acid reagent. Both plant extracts showed DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing potential in concentration dependent manner. The antioxidant potential of these plants was found to show significant correlation with total phenolic content. P. corymbosa showed better antioxidant potential compared to L. reticulata. Conclusion: HPTLC finger printing of these plants may be useful in differentiating the species and act as a biochemical marker for these plant species. Fingerprint analysis can serve as a tool for identification, authentication and quality control of herbal drugs. The current phytochemical and pharmacological observation supports tribal knowledge on the health benefits of these plants as a leafy vegetable and the scope for its popularization.

Keywords: Wild leafy vegetables, Leptadenia reticulata, Premna corymbosa, HPTLC finger printing, antioxidant potential.