Title : Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of Physalis minima
Abstract:
Global practice of traditional herbal medicine, hundreds of plant-based bioactive compounds are employed in treating various human diseases. Widely acknowledged for their efficacy, these bioactive compounds continue to contribute to effective treatments and advancements in medical practices. The fruits of Physalis minima are rich in vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and phytosterols, contributing to their nutritional value. With increasing demand, this plant is gaining popularity due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The plant is known to preserve phytochemicals with medicinal value, including alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, steroids, and tannins, which have shown antibacterial and anti-neoplastic properties. Plant components that are frequently investigated for phytochemical analysis include leaves, roots, stem barks, and fruits. For extraction, a variety of solvents are utilized, including water, petroleum ether, ethanol, methanol, acetone, hexane, and ethyl acetate. Numerous phytochemicals are studied, including glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolics. Medicinal plants, which are utilized in treating various diseases and ailments, serve as rich sources of diverse phytochemicals. Antioxidants are substances that either totally prevent or greatly lessen the harm that free radicals unstable molecules the body produces in reaction to outside stimuli do to cells. Medicinal plants harbor a rich array of phytochemicals with potent antioxidant properties, making them valuable in preventive healthcare and culinary traditions. Ingredients like tamarind, cardamom, lemon grass, and galangal basil, commonly integrated into ethnic foods, are notable examples known for their antioxidant content. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of Physalis minima revealed the presence of Flavonoids (15.583 ± 2.919), Phenols (8.426 ± 2.192), Tannins (49.523 ± 0.825) and Steroids (60.833 ± 1.443). This comprehensive investigation offersinsights into the therapeutic advantages of the plant material. The DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP assays are effective methods for assessing its antioxidant activity, with PHYMIN-22 showing significant scavenging effects, as indicated by IC50 values of 28.35 μg/ml and 26.28 μg/ml, respectively. These assays provide reliable insights into the compound's ability to combat free radicals, indicating its potential therapeutic applications in medicine.
