Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant Potential of Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum (Phunil) a Wild Edible Plant Found in Manipur, India

Abstract

The present study investigates the phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum (L.) Hilliard & B.L. Burtt, commonly known as Phunil in Manipur. The aerial parts of the plant, including stems, leaves, pre-mature and mature seeds, and fruits, were assessed for their biochemical constituents, moisture content, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical composition using standard analytical techniques. The study revealed significant amounts of alkaloids (4.8 mg/g fresh weight), total soluble sugars (12.996 ± 0.179 µg/g fresh weight), total flavonoids (17.310 ± 0.0918 mg/g dry weight), total soluble proteins (140.97 ± 23.98 µg/g fresh weight), and total phenolics (49.926 ± 3.627 µg/g fresh weight). Antioxidant analysis indicated an inhibition concentration (IC50) of 11.579 µg/g dry weight, suggesting strong radical scavenging potential. The high antioxidant content and presence of bioactive compounds suggest that Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum (L.) Hilliard & B.L. Burtt could serve as a valuable natural source of antioxidants with potential applications in both the food and pharmaceutical industries.