EVALUATION OF PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF LEAF EXTRACT OF ANNONA SQUAMOSA AND OCIMUM SANCTUM

2026-02-24T13:54:42+0530

Present study was a comparative analysis of the morphological, microscopic, physiochemical, and phytochemical characteristics of the leaves of Annona squamosa and Ocimum sanctum, alongside their antioxidant potential. Morphologically, A. squamosa and O. sanctum leaves were studied. Microscopic examination revealed anisocytic stomata and raphide-type calcium oxalate crystals in A. squamosa, whereas O. sanctum showed diacytic stomata, rosette-type crystals, and abundant essential oil glands. Physiochemical screening indicated moderate moisture content and ash values, with O. sanctum showing higher water-soluble ash and foaming index. Extractive yield was greater in O. sanctum (16.27%) compared to A. squamosa (13.28%). Quantitative estimation revealed significantly higher total flavonoid (43.23 mg/100 mg quercetin) and phenol content (26.43 mg/100 mg gallic acid) in A. squamosa than in O. sanctum. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, phytosterols, saponins, tannins, and flavonoids in both species, with proteins absent. Antioxidant assays using DPPH and ABTS methods demonstrated dose-dependent radical scavenging activity. O. sanctum exhibited superior antioxidant efficacy with lower IC₅₀ values (< 200 µg/ml) compared to A. squamosa (< 300 µg/ml), indicating its potential as a natural antioxidant source. These findings support the therapeutic relevance of both plants and provide a foundation for further pharmacological exploration.

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL EVALUATION AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF FICUS BENGHALENSIS AND CYNODON DACTYLON

2026-02-24T13:54:42+0530

This study presents a comparative pharmacognostic evaluation of Ficus benghalensis and Cynodon dactylon leaves through morphological, microscopic, physicochemical, and phytochemical analyses. Microscopic observations revealed distinct anatomical features: Ficus benghalensis exhibited paracytic stomata, trichomes, and calcium oxalate crystals, while Cynodon dactylon showed dumbbell-shaped guard cells and silica bodies characteristic of the Poaceae family. Physicochemical parameters, including ash values and foaming index, confirmed the quality of both leaf powders. Ethanol extracts demonstrated semisolid consistency and contained alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins; Ficus benghalensis additionally showed glycosides, tannins, and phenolics. Antioxidant activity assessed via DPPH and ABTS assays revealed notable free radical scavenging potential, with Cynodon dactylon showing slightly stronger efficacy. These findings support the traditional medicinal use of both plants and highlight their potential for further pharmacological and therapeutic applications.

Current Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences

EVALUATION OF PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF LEAF EXTRACT OF ANNONA SQUAMOSA AND OCIMUM SANCTUM

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL EVALUATION AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF FICUS BENGHALENSIS AND CYNODON DACTYLON