Exploring Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Efficacy of a Polyherbal Formulation

This study investigated the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of a polyherbal extract from the leaves of Morindageminata, Kalanchoe pinnata, and Solanum americanum using phytochemical screening and multiple in vitro antioxidant assays. Phytochemical analysis revealed high levels of phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids, while saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, and steroids were present in moderate amounts, indicating diverse phytochemical constituents with strong therapeutic potential. The polyherbal extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity across all assays. In the DPPH radical scavenging activity, it showed a concentration dependent increase (62.1%–84.8%) with a low EC₅₀ value (1.285) and a strong correlation coefficient (R² = 0.949), comparable to ascorbic acid, the standard drug used EC₅₀ value (1.174) and correlation coefficient (R² = 0.980). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) ranged from 0.546 ± 0.01 to 1.720 ± 0.00 expressed as ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE), indicating strong overall reducing power. In the Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, a significant (P < 0.001) and concentration dependent increase in ferric reducing ability, confirmed the extract efficient electron donating ability through efficient conversion of Ferric (Fe³⁺) to Ferrous (Fe²⁺) ion. The results indicate that the polyherbal extract possesses strong and broad spectrum antioxidant capacity across multiple models assayed. This is likely attributable to its rich phenolic compounds, terpenoids and flavonoid content, and possible synergistic interactions among the bioactive constituent of the medicinal plants. The consistent dose dependent responses across all assays further confirm the reliability and potency of its antioxidant effects. These findings support the potential use of this polyherbal formulation as a natural source of antioxidant agents and provide a scientific basis for its traditional medicinal applications. Further studies are recommended to isolate the active compounds and evaluate in vivo efficacy and safety.