Bioactivity Guided Characterization of Methanolic Extract of Pistia Stratiotes Leaves in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Pistia stratiotes, Araceae family, traditionally used in tropical and subtropical regions for medicinal purposes is found through all tropical and subtropical freshwater streams. It is regarded as an invasive species. It is known to be rich in secondary metabolites targeted at medicinal effects.
Aim and objectives: The study aimed to authenticate, extract and perform bioactivity guided characterization of extracts. After DPPH assay for antioxidant activity, identification of phytoconstituents was intended.
Material and Methods: Phytochemical screening and antioxidant assay was performed to select most potent extract which was followed by characterization parameters like Total phenols, Total flavonoids, HPTLC and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) studies for identification of phytoconstituents.
Results: Phytochemical screening revealed presence of numerous phytoconstituents in methanol extract. Of the 3 solvent extracts tested, percentage yield varied from methanolic extract (4.5±0.60) ethyl acetate (3.7 ±0.34) and then in aqueous extract (5.5±0.45). Total phenolic content recorded in methanolic extract, was 240±0.03 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram while total flavonoid content was 260±0.01 mg quercetin equivalent per gram. Bioactivity guided identification of various potent constituents was thus achieved.
Discussion: The bioactivity guided characterization resulted in identification of methanolic extract as most potent as reflected in GCMS profile.
Conclusion: We conclude that methanolic extract with considerable antioxidant potential might be tested for additional pharmacological activities owing to rich presence of phytochemicals.