Abstract

Background: Kashmir is an area rich in medicinal plants; the inhabitants use frequently diverse parts of these plants to cure diseases such as fever, headache, liver, and stomach disorders etc. According to our best knowledge this is new study in the area. In this study, commonly used medicinal plants including Viola odorata were selected for analysis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the antioxidant potential and trace metals levels of medicinal plants in the targeted area and to introduce the readers about potential impact of plants to cure the diseases.

Methods: Soil and plant samples were collected, digested and extracted as per requirement using standard procedures for the analysis. Protocols for the extraction and analysis of selected parameters are provided.

Results: The outcome of current study indicates that the Acacia nilotica bark in water extract showed significantly high total phenolic contents. The highest flavonoid contents documented as rutin equivalents were found in Acacia nilotica bark demonstrating the greatest antioxidant activity. The higher scavenging assets of Cassia fistula may be due to hydroxyl groups that can deliver the essential constituents as radical scavenger. Fe, Zn and Mn appeared as leading contributors.

Conclusion: This study concludes that the investigation on medicinal plants used in treating numerous diseases on the concern of their pharmacological exploit is supportive in regulating their use. Due to having good quantity of essential elements such as Fe, Mn, Zn the water extracts of these medicinal plants could be taken as supplements by the consumers. The extracts of Viola odorata (leaves and flowers) demonstrated the greatest antioxidant activity.

Keywords: Antioxidant, Viola odorata Linn, Acacia nilotica Linn, Dalbergia sissoo Roxb., medicinal plants, flavonols.

Graphical Abstract