Pharmacognostic, phytochemical, and antioxidant evaluation of ethanolic extract of Tinospora cordifolia using ABTS assay
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5530/ajphs.2025.15.89Keywords:
Giloy, Tinospora cordifolia, ABTS, AyurvedaAbstract
Objectives: Tinospora cordifolia is a key medicinal plant in Ayurveda, traditionally valued for its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to establish its pharmacognostic characteristics, phytochemical profile, and in vitro antioxidant potential, providing scientific support for its traditional therapeutic uses. Methods: The plant material was authenticated through macroscopic, microscopic, and powder microscopy examinations. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed using standard qualitative tests. Thin-layer chromatography was employed to separate and identify major phytoconstituents. Antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract was assessed using the ABTS radical cation decolorization assay, with results expressed as percentage inhibition and compared to ascorbic acid as a standard. Results: Macroscopic and microscopic studies revealed characteristic features, including a heart-shaped leaf, cylindrical stem with prominent lenticels, and stellate trichomes, confirming the identity of Tinospora cordifolia. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, tannins, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids. TLC showed multiple spots, with a prominent spot at Rf 0.6, suggestive of berberine or related isoquinoline alkaloids. The extract exhibited dose-dependent ABTS radical scavenging activity, with maximum inhibition of 55.11% at 2000 μg/ml compared to 92.55% by ascorbic acid at the same concentration. The established pharmacognostic standards ensure the authentic identification of Tinospora cordifolia. Conclusion: The presence of diverse bioactive secondary metabolites and moderate antioxidant activity scientifically support its traditional use as an immunomodulatory and therapeutic agent, warranting further pharmacological and clinical investigations to develop novel herbal therapeutics.
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