The pharmacognostic profiling of traditionally used medicinal plants of Northeast India and evaluation of their in-vitro anti-oxidant and anti- inflammatory potential

The current research was planned to explore the diverse pharmacognostic standards of unexplored traditionally used medicinal plants from Northeast India (Alpinia galanga, Chenopodium album, Mikania micrantha, Allium hookeri, & Eryngium foetidium).

Leaves samples were collected, authenticated, elaborative studies by macroscopic, microscopic, and physicochemical characterization (As per WHO-recommended methods of standardization), and methanolic extracts were prepared. The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory action of the leaves extracts were also resolute by the DPPH assay with butylated hydroxyl anisole as benchmark and inhibition of protein denaturation method taking diclofenac sodium as a standard drug respectively.

The pharmacognostic and physicochemical parameters enable to evaluate purity and avoid adulteration of the crude drugs. Methanolic extract of Eryngium foetidium(MMEF) showed better antioxidant activity and methanolic extract of Alpinia galangal(MMAG) showed profound anti-inflammatory activity amongst all extracts.

This study showed preliminary pharmacognostic standards for traditionally used medicinal plants and therapeutic information which would be good tools for future experimental biological activity study, together with the need for drug discovery and development.