Evaluation of Pharmacognostic, Antioxidant Activity, and AntiInflammatory Effects of Polyalthia longifolia Leaves (Masquaerade)

Abstract

Polyalthia longifolia is a tall evergreen tree native to India and Sri Lanka, widely recognized for its traditional medicinal applications in treating fever, diabetes, indigestion, and infections. This study evaluated the pharmacognostic characteristics, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory potential of Polyalthia longifolia leaves. Standard pharmacognostic techniques were employed to analyze some crude drug parameters. The antioxidant activity was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, while the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed via the carrageenan-induced paw edema test in Wistar rats. Chemomicroscopy of the powdered leaves confirmed the presence of cellulose, lignin, starch, tannins, calcium oxalate, suberin, gum, and mucilage, while calcium carbonate was absent. Physicochemical analysis revealed moisture content (5.0±0.13%), total ash (7.5±0.42%), acid-insoluble ash (4.3±0.22%), water soluble ash (7.7±0.38%), water extractive value (10.0±0.34%), and methanol extractive value (22.0±0.54%). Phytochemical screening of the methanolic extract detected flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, triterpenes, carbohydrates, and cardiac glycosides, with anthraquinones absent. Quantitatively, saponins (120.0±0.34 mg/g) and flavonoids (100.0±0.61 mg/g) were predominant. Thin-layer chromatography identified seven spots with Rf values varying from 0.24 to 0.94. The methanolic extract showed notable antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 7.122 µg/mL, lower than the standard BHT (4.942 µg/mL). In the anti-inflammatory test, the extract reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema at 150 mg/kg (25.431% inhibition), 300 mg/kg (23.238%), and 600 mg/kg (20.758%), demonstrating moderate anti inflammatory effects. These findings indicate that Polyalthia longifolia possesses pharmacologically active compounds with strong antioxidant potential and moderate anti-inflammatory effects, supporting its traditional medicinal applications.

Keywords: Polyalthia longifolia, Pharmacognosy, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Phytochemicals

Mode of presentation: Virtual presentation

Theme: Biotechnology and Life Sciences for Health and Agriculture.