PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF “UM-MA-RUEK-KA-VA-TEE” HERBAL FORMULA

Abstract

This research aims to study the phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of “UM-MA-RUEK-KA-VA-TEE” (UM) herbal formula used as antitussive and expectorant. The ingredients in UM including myrobalans have been reported for their high amounts of total phenolic compounds that might exhibit a potential benefit as a natural antioxidant. Phytochemical screening of UM was carried out using standard methods of precipitation and coloration reactions. The samples used in this study are 8 products from different manufacturer sources as well as the individual herb extracts. Analysis of antioxidant activity by 1,1-Diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay was reported as IC₅₀. According to the result, Phyllanthus emblica extract showed the best antioxidant activity (254.76±0.08 µg/ml).  Analysis of antioxidant activity by ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assay calculated the ability of FRAP value expressed as mg of Trolox equivalent (TE) per gram crude extract. Samples 3, 7 and 5 had the best antioxidant activity; 242±0.14, 237±0.32 and 216±0.08 mg TE/g crude extract, respectively. Total phenolic content was determined using the standard curve of gallic acid (100-1000 µg/ml). It was found that sample 6 had the highest phenolic content (166 ± 0.06 mg of GA/g of crude extract). Basic phytochemical tests found that 6 samples contained anthraquinones, triterpenoids and tannins. The results from this study will provide the guidelines for the further research and development of UM herbal formula in the future.