Evaluation of Physicochemical Standards, Phytochemical Screening and in-vitro Anti-inflammatory Evaluation of Echinops niveus Leaves from the Western Himalayas

Abstract

Background: Medicinal plants from the Himalayan region represents an important source of bioactive phytochemicals with potential therapeutic potential. Echinops niveus (EN), traditionally used as folk medicine, has gained attention due to its diverse phytoconstituents and pharmacological activities. However, its physicochemical standardization as well as scientific validation of its anti-inflammatory potential is limited.
Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the pharmacognostical standards, physicochemical standardization, preliminary phytochemical screening of EN leaves which may be helpful in terms of its validity, purity, and quality. As well as to evaluate its in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity.
Methods: Macroscopic and microscopic parameters of EN leaves were observed. Physicochemical parameters, including moisture content, ash values, and extractive values, were determined according to standard pharmacopeial procedures. Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out to identify the presence of various plant metabolites. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using protein denaturation inhibition and membrane stabilization assays.
Result: Phytochemical screening of EN leaves confirmed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids and steroids. Quantitative analysis showed total phenolic content of 58.78 ± 0.60 mg GAE g⁻¹ and total flavonoid content of 320.30 ± 1.33 mg RE g⁻¹. Ethanol extract of EN leaves demonstrated significant dose dependent inhibition of protein denaturation and stabilization of erythrocyte membranes.
Conclusion: These findings highlight EN as a promising source of bioactive compounds to develop novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics. Further studies focussing on isolation of active phytoconstituents and in vivo pharmacological evaluation are still warranted.