Quality Control Standardization and In-Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Aganosma dichotoma K. Schum Root

Introduction: Aganosma dichotoma K. Schum (AD) is a large climber with very stout stem belonging to the family Apocynaceae. The Plant has significant medicinal value as described in traditional system of medicine. The objective of the present study is to scientifically develop a standard monograph for AD on the basis of its pharmacognostical and phytochemical aspects. Methods: The study includes quality control standardization as per the standard methods provided in World Health Organization for standardization of medicinal plants. Fluorescence drug analysis, preliminary phytochemical screening of different fractions, quantification of some phytoconstituents and in-vitro antioxidant activity were also carried out. Quantification of Quercetin in the ethanolic extract of A. dichotoma was determined by HPTLC analysis. The ethanolic extract of root of A. dichotoma was subjected to in-vitro antioxidant activity. Results: The diagnostic characters of A. dichotoma root were evaluated on the basis of macroscopical and microscopical characters. Physicochemical parameters were evaluated such as 6.7% w/w loss on drying with; ash values (in % w/w): 13.75 total ash, 5.75 acid-insoluble ash, 3.6 water-soluble ash; Extractive values (% w/w): 12.75 water, 11.82 ethanol, 2.26 ethyl acetate, 3.13 chloroform, and 3.16 pet ether; foaming index 181.81; swelling index 3.2 ml/g; hemolytic activity 227.89 unit/gm of powder drug and crude fiber content was 19.4%. Total numbers of starch grain in 1 mg of root powder were 2,49,981. Quantification of quercetin in the ethanolic extract was assessed by HPTLC analysis and was found to contain 2.40%, w/w. Conclusion: The parameters determined in the present study may provide necessary information for identification and authentication of plant material.