Phytochemical evaluation and pharmacognostic standardization of Syzygium palghatense endemic to Western Ghats

Abstract

Abstract Background The plants belonging to the genus Syzygium has received much attention since ancient times due to its multidimensional uses for mankind. These plants in general, reported to contain a wide array of phytomolecules with a broad spectrum of biological activities that include antihypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and antihypertensive properties. The pharmacological potential of S. palghatense which is endemic to Western Ghats has not yet been investigated. The present study was intended to examine the potential benefits of the leaves and bark of S. palghatense. Results Morpho-anatomical studies of S. palghatense provided useful details for the identification. The pharmacological characterization of the plants shows significant results in their studied parameters. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were higher in methanolic extracts of leaves and bark of S. palghatense. Methanolic extract of the leaves and bark have superior antioxidant capacity when compared with the chloroform, ethyl acetate, and distilled water extracts. A significant result in alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase enzyme activity was exhibited when antidiabetic study was performed. Conclusion The current study showed that the methanolic extract of S. palghatense leaves and bark have significant pharmacognostic properties and potential antioxidant and antidiabetic compounds. Phytochemical studies portray the presence of several biologically active secondary metabolites, including essential oil, alkaloid, glycosides, carbohydrate, tannins, reducing sugar, phenolics, and saponins, which may be the reason for its biological properties. As compared to bark, leaves of S. palghatense possess significant activity toward all the biological properties tested.