Pharmacognostic and free radical scavenging Evaluation of Cyathula prostata (Blume) L.

Background: Cyathula prostrata (Blume) L. from the family Amaranthaceae has been used traditionally for rheumatism, dysentery, wounds and urethral discharges in the tropical regions of the world. Aim: The present study was undertaken to perform quality control standardization and to evaluate antioxidant activity of the leaf, stem, root and the whole plant of Cyathula prostrata. Methods: Macroscopic and microscopic evaluations were carried out on the plant using standard procedures. Powdered sample of the leaf was evaluated with various organic solvents for fluorescence. The chloroform, ethyl-acetate and methanolic extracts of the leaf, stem, root and whole plant were subjected to various pharmacognostic analyses and evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity using DPPH assay.Further, thin layer chromatoghraphy was used to evaluate the chloroform extract. Results: Important epidermal features in the plant include: coastal cells, unbranched, uniseriate, multicellular and non-glandular trichomes. Leaves are amphistomatic showing mostly anomocytic and actinocytic stomata. Starch grains are restricted to the adaxial surface. Vascular bundles are mainly collateral and well-developed bundle sheath. The transverse section of stem is circular, hypodermis (1-3 layers). Cross section of the root is described in detail for the plant. Cortex has angular cells. Fluorescence studies showed different colours. Physico-chemical results are comparable with standards. The TLC profile showed presence of at least seven compounds in the leaf, root and the whole plant extracts, while nine components were obtained from the stem extract. The ethyl acetate extract of the root and ethanol extract of the stem gave the highest phenolic contents (30.09±3.768 mg GAE/g) and DPPH free radical scavenging activity (87.0 ± 0.208), respectively. Conclusion: The distinctive features established in this study are steps in identification, standardization and quality control of this medicinal plant.