Pharmacognostic evaluation, estimation of phenolic, ϐlavonoid composition and antioxidant activity of Aspidopterys indica (Willd.)W.Theob: An endemic plant to peninsular India

Aspidopterys indica (Willd.)W.Theob is endemic plant to Peninsular India belonging to family Malpighiaceae commonly known as  Chuttakulaa-tigga. The study aims to explore Pharmacognostic, Phytochemical evaluation, Total Phenolic, Flavonoid Content and Antioxidant Activities.The Pharmacognostic study comprises of Ultrasonic extraction, microscopy of Leaf and stem, fluorescence investigation, ash values, extractive values, Loss on drying, foaming index, crude fiber content, total phenolic and flavonoid content, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and Nitric oxide scavenging activities were assessed.The leaf shows presence of paracytic stomata, T shaped trichomes, Stem shows presence of vessels and pith. The physicochemical characters assessed as Total Ash value 10%, Water insoluble ash 0.5%, acid insoluble ash 8.5%, sulphated ash 4.2%, alcoholic extractive value 16.8%, water soluble extractive value 17.6%, chloroform extractive value 0.8%, Loss on drying 3.36%, Foaming index is <100, crude fiber content is 2.4%, phytoconstituents like tannins, flavonoids, phytosterols and alkaloids, carbohydrates are available in methanol, aqueous, chloroform extracts. Total phenolic content turned greatest in methanolic extract (90.69±2.86 mg GAE/g), Aqueous extract showed maximum total flavonoid content (109.89±0.33mg of QE/g). Methanolic extract indicated most intense 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging action IC50(134.97±8.37) whereas aqueous extract is potent to exclude nitrile radical IC50108.00±4.18). Total phenolic content - DPPH scavenging assay are positively correlated. The microscopical, physicochemical parameters are valuable to authenticate the identification and purity of the drug. A.indica is a perspective source of antioxidants.