Phytochemical and antioxidant screening of terminalia catappa. linn.

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Phytochemical and antioxidant screening of terminalia catappa. linn.
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Author:

Jabeena Begum P.


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Phytochemical and antioxidant screening of terminalia catappa. linn.

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20201-16413

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Terminalia catappa Linn., commonly known as country-almond or Indian-almond, is a tree belonging to the Combretaceae family. This plant is recognized for its rich phytochemical composition, including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phytosterols, which contribute to its nutritional value and medicinal properties. Traditionally, the leaves and bark have been used in India and the Philippines for treating various health conditions, such as hepatitis and dysentery. The study explores the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of T. catappa, emphasizing the methods of extraction and analysis conducted to better understand its potential health benefits.

Phytochemical Screening of Terminalia catappa

The phytochemical analysis of T. catappa reveals a diverse array of bioactive compounds, which were evaluated using standard tests. The study showed the presence of carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, triterpenoids, and phenols, indicating that the leaves possess significant phytochemical activity. Conversely, key components such as saponins, alkaloids, quinones, terpenoids, coumarins, steroids, phlobatannins, and anthraquinones were not detected. This detailed pharmacognosy underscores the potential of T. catappa extracts in herbal medicine, especially in treating ailments due to its rich composition of beneficial compounds.

Antioxidant Activity Assessment

Antioxidant properties were assessed using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, which measures the ability of extracts to reduce free radicals. The study demonstrated a remarkable 96.8% inhibition of DPPH radicals at a concentration of 5 mg/ml of the ethanolic extract. This finding highlights T. catappa's potential as a strong natural antioxidant, capable of combating oxidative stress in biological systems. The conversion of the purple DPPH solution to yellow indicates the scavenging activity of the extract, validating its potential therapeutic applications in managing oxidative stress-related conditions.

Therapeutic Implications

The therapeutic implications of T. catappa are significant, especially in the context of traditional medicine. With an estimated 80% of the global population relying on traditional remedies for primary healthcare, the study reinforces the importance of plants like T. catappa in contemporary medicinal practices. Given its demonstrated antioxidant properties and rich phytochemical profile, T. catappa can potentially serve as a valuable alternative to synthetic antioxidants, promoting better health outcomes and complementing modern treatment methods.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Terminalia catappa exhibits promising phytochemical and antioxidant properties that warrant further exploration for preventive and therapeutic uses. The findings of this study highlight its role as a natural source of antioxidants, which may protect against oxidative stress and associated diseases. As public interest in natural remedies continues to grow, T. catappa presents an opportunity for integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific validation, affirming its place in the realm of health and wellness. This calls for expanded research into its applications, dosage, and long-term benefits for human health.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is Terminalia catappa and what are its common names?

Terminalia catappa Linn., belonging to the Combretaceae family, is known as country-almond, Indian-almond, Malabar-almond, sea-almond, and tropical-almond. It is recognized for its nutritional and medicinal benefits.

What are the traditional medicinal uses of Terminalia catappa?

In India and the Philippines, the leaves of Terminalia catappa are used to treat hepatitis, while the bark is employed for treating dysentery. Additionally, its leaves are effective for ailments like leprosy and scabies.

What phytochemicals are present in Terminalia catappa?

The phytochemical screening of Terminalia catappa revealed the presence of various constituents such as carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, triterpenoids, and phenols, while saponins, alkaloids, and several others were absent.

How is the antioxidant activity of Terminalia catappa evaluated?

The antioxidant activity is evaluated using the DPPH assay, where the ethanolic extract's ability to scavenge free radicals is measured. Results showed a significant inhibition of 96.8% at a concentration of 5 mg/ml.

What were the key findings of the study on Terminalia catappa?

The study confirmed the pharmacological activity of Terminalia catappa, emphasizing its high antioxidant properties. This supports its potential as a natural replacement for synthetic antioxidants, promoting better human health.

Who conducted the research on Terminalia catappa?

The research was conducted by Jabeena Begum P., an Assistant Professor at the Department of Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology at JBAS College, Chennai.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Phytochemical and antioxidant screening of terminalia catappa. linn.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants that contribute to their color, flavor, and disease resistance. They have been identified for their potential health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Studies on phytochemicals help in understanding plant medicinal properties and their application in developing natural remedies for various ailments.

2) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the biological effects following the interaction of phytochemicals with biological systems. It often relates to pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and other beneficial responses in the human body. Measuring activity helps evaluate the efficacy of plant extracts for potential therapeutic uses.

3) Chennai:
Chennai is a major city in Tamil Nadu, India, known for its cultural heritage and educational institutions. It serves as a significant hub for research in various fields, including pharmaceutical studies. The relevance of studies conducted in Chennai lies in its accessibility to diverse plant species and local medicinal knowledge.

4) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of phytochemicals with antioxidant properties, commonly found in fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They are known for their role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Flavonoids may contribute to the prevention of various diseases, making them a significant subject of research in the field of nutrition and health.

5) Disease:
Diseases are pathological conditions that inhibit normal bodily functions. Research on plant extracts investigates their potential to prevent, alleviate, or treat diseases. Finding natural alternatives through phytochemistry can lead to safer and effective treatment options in medicine, especially considering the rise in antibiotic resistance.

6) Water:
Water plays a crucial role in the extraction process of phytochemicals, facilitating solvent-based extractions to obtain bioactive compounds from plant materials. In research, water is often mixed with organic solvents to enhance extraction efficiency. It is also essential for physiological processes, affecting plant growth and phytochemical production.

7) Table:
In scientific literature, a table organizes data, making it easier to understand and compare results. Tables summarize significant findings, such as phytochemical screening results in this context. They visually convey important information at a glance, allowing researchers and readers to interpret data quickly and effectively.

8) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the study of the interactions between drugs and biological systems. This encompasses the effects, mechanisms, and therapeutic potentials of natural compounds, including those derived from plants. Understanding pharmacological properties is vital for drug discovery and developing effective treatments for various health conditions.

9) Medicine:
Medicine is the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. It encompasses various disciplines, including pharmacology and phytotherapy. Medicinal plants are a source of traditional and modern medicinal practices, increasing interest in the therapeutic roles of natural compounds in health care.

10) Study (Studying):
A study involves systematically investigating specific phenomena to gather knowledge or evaluate hypotheses. In this context, studies on plant extracts aim to provide insights into their pharmacological properties and potential therapeutic applications. Research contributes to validating traditional medicinal practices and discovering new drugs for modern medicine.

11) Drug:
Drugs, in a broader sense, encompass all substances used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases. The ongoing research into plant-derived drugs encourages the discovery of new therapies and reinforces the importance of plants in pharmaceutical development, offering natural alternatives with fewer side effects.

12) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the analytical interpretation of research findings. It contextualizes results within existing knowledge and explores implications for future research or applications. A well-structured discussion helps bridge the gap between empirical data and theoretical frameworks, assisting in drawing meaningful conclusions from scientific studies.

13) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamil Nadu is a state in southern India known for its rich cultural heritage and extensive biodiversity. The region's traditional knowledge of using local plants for medicinal purposes influences research and invites global interest in the pharmacological potential of indigenous species found in this area.

14) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can cause harmful effects on living organisms. Assessing the toxicity of plant extracts is essential in pharmacological research, as it helps ensure that natural products are safe for human consumption and minimises adverse health effects when used as medication.

15) Leprosy:
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Research on traditional medicinal plants, such as Terminalia catappa, aims to explore their potential contributions to treating leprosy and alleviating its symptoms, creating interest in alternative therapeutic strategies.

16) Species:
Species refers to a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. In phytochemistry and pharmacology, understanding the species of plants studied allows for the identification of specific traits and compounds that may exhibit beneficial health effects or pharmacological activity.

17) Family:
Family is a taxonomic rank used in biological classification that groups related species. The classification of plants into families helps researchers identify potential medicinal properties based on family characteristics. Terminalia catappa belongs to the Combretaceae family, which is known for various phytochemicals with health benefits.

18) Insect:
Insects play a pivotal role in ecosystems, affecting plant health and biodiversity. Plants, through the production of phytochemicals, often develop defenses against insect herbivory. Understanding these interactions aids in discovering potential natural pesticides or protective compounds in plants, which can be useful in agriculture and medicine.

19) Indian:
Indian refers to the cultural, geographical, or biological aspects related to India. The exploration of traditional Indian medicinal practices contributes significantly to modern pharmacology, where indigenous plants, such as Terminalia catappa, are investigated for potential therapeutic properties and modes of application in health care.

20) Campu:
Campu likely refers to a misspelling of 'campus.' In the context of research, campuses host academic institutions where scientific studies on plants are conducted. Access to facilities and collaboration among researchers within a campus environment fosters advancements in botanical, pharmacological, and medicinal research.

21) India:
India is a diverse country rich in biodiversity and traditional medicinal knowledge. The study of India's native plants for their pharmacological properties enhances the understanding of plant-based therapies. Indian practices in herbal medicine impact global approaches to healthcare, emphasizing the significance of indigenous flora.

22) Tamil:
Tamil is the language spoken predominantly in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and among Tamil communities worldwide. Language influences cultural practices, including traditional medicine. Understanding Tamil medicinal knowledge can enhance research into the efficacy and applications of local herbs and enhance the connection to cultural heritage.

23) Nadu:
Nadu is derived from the Tamil word meaning 'land' or 'state,' contributing to the name Tamil Nadu. The cultural and ecological diversity in this region provides a rich context for researching medicinal plants and enhancing understanding of their traditional and contemporary applications in health and well-being.

24) Tree:
Tree refers to a perennial woody plant that can significantly impact the environment and human health. Trees like Terminalia catappa have been subjects of extensive research due to their ecological benefits and medicinal properties. Understanding tree species contributes to conservation and therapeutic uses in herbal medicine.

25) Life:
Life encompasses the existence of living organisms, including human health and ecological interactions. The study of plant-based compounds highlights their importance in sustaining life by improving health outcomes, protecting ecosystems, and exploring sustainable approaches to medical therapies based on natural resources.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Phytochemical and antioxidant screening of terminalia catappa. linn.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Terminalia catappa, Phytochemical, Traditional medicine, Phytochemistry, Oxidative stress, Reactive oxygen species, Antioxidant property, DPPH, Soxhlet Apparatus, Carbohydrate test, Ethanolic leaf extract, Phytochemical profiling, Phytoconstituent.

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