Pharmacognostical assessment, antioxidant ability and determination of phytomolecules using GC-MS in Gloriosa superba Linn

Abstract

Abstract Gloriosa superba Linn (family Colchicaceae) is a tendril climber with cylindrical and V or L shaped rhizomes that has received much attention due to its ancient pharmacological uses and being a rich source of colchicine. The pharmacognostical profile of leaf, stem and rhizome were analysed to assure the grade of raw material in the proposed investigation. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity of ethanolic rhizome extract of G. superba (EREG) was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging assay. Simultaneously, we have evaluated the phytochemical profile of EREG by GC-MS and total phenolic content was performed as well. Transverse section of rhizome revealed thin layer of brownish scales that fabricate the outer skin. In addition, the cortical area made up of homogeneous fleshy and parenchymal cells filled with starch granules which is one of the superabundant diagnostic features of this plant. Pharmacognostical profile of leaf, stem and rhizome of the plant demonstrated the evidence of authenticity of this plant. Anti-scavenging capacity (IC50) and total phenolic content was 77.20% and 9.54 mg, GAE/g, respectively. The GC-MS library identified two phytoconstituents as diethyl phthalate (100% peak area) and arsenous acid, tris(trimethylsilyl) ester (22.68% peak area) whose vast benefits are reported in the fields of pharmaceuticals, industry and personal care products. Frivolous research work in the field of pharmacognosy, antioxidant ability and instrumental analysis for phytomolecules provides a vast avenue for research on G. superba.