Abstract
Background
Adhatoda vasica L. is a medicinal plant, also known as Malabar nut in English, belongs to family Acanthaceae. It has been used traditionally to treat respiratory disorders like severe cough, cold, chronic bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, and other illnesses. The multifunctional range of bioactives found in it has piqued the interest of pharmaceutical companies, who are looking for more evidence-based ways to develop new formulations.
Method
Methanolic extract of Adhatoda vasica L. leaves (MEAV) was analysed by hyphenated gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy for identification and characterization of its bioactives and traditional therapeutic claim. Widely anticipated DPPH method was used to determine the antioxidant activity of MEAV.
Results
The major compounds revealed in MEAV leaves are 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine (3.06%); 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one (5.35%); 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (16.82%); 2-butylphenol (6.85%); 3,4-dihydroxy-5-methyl-dihydro-furan-2-on (2.5%); 2(OR 3)-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methoxyphenol (3.52%); megastigmatrienone 3 (1.02%); tetradecanoic acid (1.52%); vomifoliol (0.58%); oxalic acid, cyclobutylhexyl ester (6.03%); hexadecanoic acid (6.06%); 4-ethyl-2-oxo-2,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-cyclopenta[B]pyridine-3-carbonitrile (10.08%); phytol (2.01%); and vitamin E (3.18%). A significant reduction in free radical against DPPH was observed, which revealed antioxidant potential of MEAV.
Conclusion
Methanolic extract of Adhatoda vasica L. leaves consist of both polar and nonpolar components. GC-MS analysis was used to identify these compounds. The current work validates that the antioxidant activity of methanolic extract attributed to the presence of compounds like vitamin E, alkaloid, and terpene.