Phytochemical characterization and in vitro evaluation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of hydro-methanolic leaf extract of nyctanthes arbor-tristis

Introduction: Natural plant sources are recognized for their abundance of bioactive constituents with therapeutic relevance. The present work evaluates the phytochemical profile and biological activities of the hydro-methanolic extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaves.
Material and Methods: The plant material was collected, authenticated, and subjected to maceration to obtain the extract, yielding 8.8% dried residue. Qualitative and Quantitative phytochemical screening was performed by the Hydro-methanolic extract of the NAT leaf. The oxidative property of NAT leaf was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays, and Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the egg albumin denaturation method.
Result: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, anthraquinones, anthocyanins, cardiac glycosides, proteins, and amino acids. Quantitative analysis revealed total flavonoid content of 196.63 mg quercetin equivalents/g dry weight and total phenolic content of 38.45 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight. The extract exhibited significant radical scavenging activity (RSA) with an IC₅₀ value of 63.83 μg/mL and notable ferric reducing antioxidant power. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the egg albumin denaturation method, showing dose-dependent response with maximum inhibition of 95.94% at100 μg/ml comparable to standard drugs. 
Conclusion: These findings suggest that Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaf extract possesses considerable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, likely due to its rich phytochemical constituents. Future studies should focus on isolating and characterizing, the specific biologically active compounds that show pharmacological effects.