Phytochemical screening and in vitro evaluation of antioxidant and DNA inhibition activity of Caralluma bhupenderiana Sarkaria

Introduction and Aim: Phytochemicals isolated from medicinal plants have been receiving greater attention owing to their potential therapeutic efficiency. Despite rapid developments in the field of modern medicine various herbal medications are being used to treat different types of health disorders. Caralluma bhupenderiana Sarkaria is an endemic species of the genus Caralluma. Although selected species of Caralluma have been investigated for their medicinal properties, no studies have addressed the composition of bioactive phytochemicals and its therapeutic properties. The objective was to screen the endogenous composition of C. bhupenderiana extract and evaluate its antioxidant and DNA damaging inhibitory activity. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant potential of C. bhupenderiana was determined by measuring the ability of the extracts to scavenge free radicals. Chemical bonding and structural aspects of the phytochemicals were determined by FT-IR and GC-MS. Plasmid DNA (pBR322) damage inhibition was determined by photolyzing H2O2 and exposing to ultra-violet radiation. Results: The extract was rich in flavonoids, phenols, quinones, glycosides and saponins. FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of functional groups to be ‘polymeric’ OH stretch, /Methylene C-H asymmetric, esters with double bond, cyclic alkene/organic nitrates, nitro compound, ammonium ion, sulfonates. C. bhupenderiana exhibited significant antioxidant activity as evidenced by its free radical scavenging activity. The extract also exhibited complete protection against DNA damage caused by UV irradiation. Conclusion: C. bhupenderiana contains various endogenous phytochemicals that offer high antioxidant potential along with significant ability to attenuate DNA damage. C. bhupenderiana is highly therapeutic in nature and can be a good candidate for developing novel pharmacological and therapeutic molecules.