Ethnomedicinal Plants of North-Eastern India: Unveiling Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity for Skin Health

Background:

Skin diseases are a major health concern due to their link with oxidative stress, inflammation, tissue damage and impaired skin function. Antioxidants play a crucial role in addressing these issues and offer potential therapeutic benefits. Medicinal plants rich in antioxidants can combat pathogen resistance to pharmaceutical treatments. The primary objective of this study was to explore and analyze the antioxidant activity and composition of both free and bound phenolic compounds in Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Lawsonia inermis, Mimosa pudica, Cassia alata and Cassia occidentalis, which are commonly used by the indigenous population of North-Eastern India to treat skin conditions.

Materials and Methods:

The total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were determined using spectrophotometric methods. The assessment of radical scavenging activity was carried out utilizing ABTS and DPPH assays. RP-HPLC was employed to detect and quantify the specific concentrations of individual phenolic components.

Results:

The 80% aqueous ethanol extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis exhibited high levels of myricetin (22.18±0.33 μg/mg dry extract) and quercetin (18.35±0.53 μg/ mg dry extract). Correlation analysis demonstrated strong relationships between total phenolic content, flavonoid content and radical scavenging activities. Furthermore, Principal Component Analysis revealed that Nyctanthes arbor-tristis exhibited superior antioxidant potency compared to the other plants studied.

Conclusion:

These findings offer valuable insights into the phenolic composition, antioxidant activity and medicinal potential of these plants. They contribute to a medical guide for their ethnomedicinal use and establish a foundation for conventional medical practices. Understanding their phenolic composition and antioxidant properties could harness their potential in treating skin diseases and addressing oxidative stress, inflammation, tissue damage and impaired skin function.