Preliminary phytochemical screening and antioxidant properties of methanolic root extract of Picrorhiza kurroa

Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. (Scrophulariacae) is a herb in the Ayurvedic system of medicine highly noted for its hepatoprotective effect. Over exploitation for various medicinal purposes has made the rhizome as an endangered species. In spite of its geographical distribution, it is available in all the herbal drug stores. The rationale behind this study is to authenticate and standardize the Picrosides by different parameters to enable its identity, purity and efficacy. Thus, the Present study analyzed the presence of phytochemicals qualitatively and evaluated the antioxidant properties in the methanolic extracts of Picrorhiza kurroa.

Preliminary analysis of phytoconstituents of root parts of this plant using the standard procedures and Antioxidant properties were determined by 1,1- diphenyl,2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay.

The qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of secondary active constituent’s such as glycosides, cardiacglycosides, Tannins, terpenoids, steroids and coumarins and also possesses high free radical scavenging property.

Therefore this study explored the antioxidant properties which strongly supports that could prevent many free radical related disorders. Also paves the way for further quantitative and animal studies, planned to explore the molecular mechanisms for the study based on cardiovascular disorders.