PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF FORTIFIED HERBAL MIXTURE

Chetan Kumar Y., Jagadeesh Panda and Swathi Putta*

ABSTRACT

Background: Ornamental plants are increasingly recognized for their aesthetic appeal as well as their potential pharmacological applications. This study investigates the phytochemical composition and antioxidant efficacy of a fortified formulation that combines Sansevieria trifasciata and Tradescantia pallida, enhanced with an extract from Zingiber officinale. Methods: The formulation underwent qualitative phytochemical screening to identify principal constituents, including alkaloids, glycosides, and proteins. The antioxidant potential was assessed using both DPPH and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) radical scavenging assays. Results: Phytochemical analysis indicated a substantial presence of alkaloids, glycosides, and proteins across all components, with enhanced concentrations observed following fortification with ginger extract. The formulation demonstrated significant dose-dependent free radical scavenging activity, showing notable inhibition of both DPPH and H₂O₂ radicals. These effects can be attributed to the synergistic interactions among phenolic glycosides, nitrogenous alkaloids, and bioactive proteins sourced from the botanical constituents. Conclusion: The fortification of ornamental plants with Zingiber officinale enhances their antioxidant capacity, underscoring their potential application in natural therapeutic and cosmeceutical formulations. This study endorses the incorporation of traditionally aesthetic plants into evidence-based phytomedicine.

Keywords: Sansevieria trifasciata, Tradescantia pallida, Zingiber officinale, phytochemicals, antioxidant, DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, fortification.