Chemical and Biological Profiling of Derris Scandens (Roxb.) Benth

Abstract

Plants have been a valuable source of bioactive phytochemicals since ancient times, providing mankind with important compounds that can be utilized in the development of innovative therapeutics for various diseases. Chemical investigation of Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth., a plant with a long history of traditional use, led to the identification of two flavonoids such as Scandenone and Lupalbigenin. The 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis along with comparison to similar compounds in the literature, helped to elucidate the structures of these compounds. The crude methanol extract was fractionated, and different fractions were evaluated for their antioxidant, cytotoxic, and thrombolytic activities. Among the fractions, the ethyl acetate and chloroform soluble fractions showed the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity, while the chloroform soluble fraction demonstrated significant lethality in the brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The petroleum ether soluble fraction exhibited substantial thrombolytic activity. The extraction of these important phytochemicals from the plant has brought new insights into the field of drug discovery, potentially facilitating the development and exploration of novel therapeutics. However, additional investigations are advised to gain a comprehensive understanding of their precise molecular mechanisms and potential toxicological effects. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(2): 227-233, 2024 (June)