Standardization and antioxidant studies of arnebia hispidissima

Background and Objective: Arnebia hispidissima (A. hispidissima) a member of the family Boraginaceae, is dye yielding and medicinally important plant. It is widely used in the cosmetic industries. This study has been made for the preliminary standardization of A. hispidissima plant. Methodology: The standardization evaluation comprises of powder microscopy and fluorescence analysis and TLC profiling. In addition, preliminary phytochemical screening, determination of total phenol and in vitro free radical scavenging activity (DPPH radicals scavenging assay and reducing power activity) were preformed utilizing the methanol extract. Results: A microscopic study of powder of whole plant of A. hispidissima showed different types of trichomes, vessel and fibres. Fluorescence analysis showed different colours under visible light, low UV and high UV. TLC of the hexane extract developed 8, 6, 9 and 10 spots with visible light, low UV, high UV and ninhydrin-H₂SO₄ spray, respectively. The phytochemical analysis of the methanol extract gave a positive indication for the presence of active compounds including alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, steroids, triterpenoids saponins, phenols, tannins, flavonoids and proteins. The quantitative analysis showed the presence of a significant quantity of total phenol and the in vitro antioxidant activity clearly showed the terrific antioxidant property. Conclusion: The data generated from the present study can be utilized for the identification and quality control of A. hispidissima plant.