Comprehensive Phytochemical, Anti-Oxidant and GC-MS Analysis of Strobilanthes jomyi P. Biju, Josekutty, Rekha & J.R.I.Wood

Abstract

Background and Objective: Plant-based medication is one of the most established practices in the Indian medical field. Earlier, raw parts of plants were directly used to treat many health conditions. Later, the most valuable part was identified, separated the chemical compounds and treated various diseases. The plant Strobilanthes jomyi belongs to the family Acanthaceae, commonly called Elathumpadi. The study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical, mineral composition, phytochemical, anti-oxidant and GC-MS analysis of leaves stem and root of S. jomyi. Materials and Methods: Different vegetative parts of S. jomyi were extracted with the Soxhlet extraction method by using methanol as solvent. Physicochemical, phytochemical, mineral composition, anti-oxidant and GC-MS analyses were evaluated by different standard protocols. Results: The phytochemical analysis revealed that leaves contained more phenolic (87.4±0.44 mg gG1 of GAE), flavonoid (66.23±0.53 mg gG1 equivalent of QE), carbohydrate (44.7±1.28 mg gG1 of fresh weight), protein (17.7±0.76 mg gG1 of fresh weight), proline (46.8±0.15 mg gG1 of fresh weight) and chlorophyll (46.8±0.15 mg gG1 of fresh weight) content than the root and stem of methanolic extract. The non-enzymatic anti-oxidant assays of the methanolic extract showed the presence of higher anti-oxidant activities in leaves, followed by root and stem. The GC-MS study of the root, stem and leaves revealed medicinally important bioactive compounds like 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol, phytol, squalene, phenol, neophytadiene and lupeol. Conclusion: Strobilanthes jomyi can be used as an alternative source of the ayurvedic system of medicine based on its phytochemical and antioxidant activity.