PHARMACOGNOSTIC STANDARDIZATION AND PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF THE ETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF ELEPHANTOPUS SCABER LINN.

Abstract

Background: Elephantopus scaber Linn. is a medicinal plant widely recognized for its therapeutic potential due to the presence of diverse bioactive phytoconstituents. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties, FTIR profile, and preliminary phytochemical composition of its ethanolic leaf extract. Methods: The leaves were extracted using 95% ethanol by Soxhlet extraction. The extract was evaluated for percentage yield, physicochemical parameters, solubility, FTIR analysis, and qualitative phytochemical screening using standard methods. Results: The ethanolic extract showed an extraction yield of 18.5%. The extract exhibited acceptable physicochemical characteristics, including moisture content (6.5 ± 0.2%), pH (6.8 ± 0.1), and ash values within standard limits. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of hydroxyl, carbonyl, aromatic, and ether functional groups. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, glycosides, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, carbohydrates, proteins, and amino acids. Conclusion: The ethanolic leaf extract of Elephantopus scaber demonstrated satisfactory physicochemical quality and a rich phytochemical profile, supporting its standardization and potential application in future pharmacological and pharmaceutical studies.