Phytochemical Investigation of Nilavembu Kudineer Chooranam Ethyl Acetate Extract and Its Ability to Reduce Intracellular Antioxidant Levels in THP-I Cells

Abstract

Aims: Nilavembu kudineer chooranam is one of the best polyherbal formulations in Siddha tradition of medicinal practice. This formulation has nine herbs as ingredients. This research article explores the scientific analysis of the therapeutic and phytochemical potential of this herbal formulation. Methodology: In this study, Nilavembu Kudineer Chooranam is extracted with hot ethyl acetate using a Soxhlet apparatus. This study focuses on the pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, physico-chemistry TLC analysis and antioxidant ability of Nilavembu Kudineer chooranam. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) is used to analyze the extract of Nilavembu Kudineer Chooranam to screen for active principles. Antioxidant activity of Nilavembu Kudineer Chooranam was determined using DPPH assay. Gas Chromatogram Mass Spectrometric method (GCMS) was carried out in the ethyl acetate extract of NKC for phytochemical analysis. Results: The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the ethyl acetate extract of Nilavembu Kudineer Chooranam reveals the presence of phytochemicals. The quantitative phytochemical estimations show the presence of 0.082 mg of alkaloid, 5.81 mg of flavanoid, 4.32 mg of tannin and 0.736 mg of phenolics in ethyl acetate extract. The HPTLC analysis confirmed the presence of such phytochemicals that are well known for their medicinal properties. The percentage of moisture content, total Ash, acid-soluble ash, and a water-soluble ash content of NKC were found to be 3.7%, 9.07%,1.66%, and 0.75% respectively. The fluorescence analysis of NKC powder with different chemical reagents revealed the presence of several active principles in the extract. The antioxidant ability of NKC extract was also assessed by FACS analysis using DCFDA assay in THP-I (human monocyte) cells. Conclusion: In this in-vitro assay NKC extract significantly reduced the intracellular antioxidant levels in THP-I cells.  Thus the in-vitro assay further confirmed the antioxidant potential of NKC extract. It is apparent from the above results and discoveries that NKC makes a perfect health drink.