Decoding the therapeutic efficacy of underresearched plant from Asian sub-continent Thysanolaena maxima (roots) by pharmacognostical, phytochemical and pharmacological investigation

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate Thysanolaena maxima with physico-chemical parameters and phytochemical analysis
and to investigate the in vitro bioactivities of different plant extracts obtained from Sikkim, India. Methods: The
ash value, extractive value, loss on drying (LOD), fluorescence analysis, powder microscopy, and phytochemical
screening were conducted using the specific standard procedures. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using
the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and the reducing power assay.
Accordingly, antibacterial activity was investigated using the disk diffusion method. Results: Physico-chemical
properties play a major role in determining drugs quality and purity. The ash value (total ash, acid insoluble and
water soluble), extractive value, and LOD were found to be (6.4, 2.5, and 2.15%), (petroleum ether (1.26%),
dichloromethane (1.68%), dichloromethane: methanol (1:1) (2.21%), chloroform water (3.84%), and 9.1%,
respectively. In Fluorescence analysis, distinct colors were observed in the far and near ultra-violet ranges. The
presence of fibers, stone cells, and graphite belonging to types A and C that is, random flake graphite and Kish
graphite with hyper–eutectic composition, was observed in Powder microscopy. Phytochemical screening reveled
the presence of Flavonoids, Alkaloida, steroids, phenol, and saponins. The dichloromethane: methanol (1:1)
extract showed the highest reducing power as well as DPPH scavenging activity (74.966 ± 1.705) compared to
other extracts. Almost all extracts showed mild anti-bacterial activity, with zones of inhibition ranging from 0.75
to 1.62, respectively. Conclusion: Systematic investigation of T. maxima preliminary showed a potent source of
bioactive compounds that can be utilized as a lead for new drug discovery