Tushar Kumar,
Mustafa Kamal Ansari,
- Research Scholar, Department of Botany, Millat College Darbhanga, Bihar, India
- Principal, Rajkiye Degree Mahavidyalay, Kiratpur, Darbhanga, Bihar, India
Abstract
Introduction: Medicinal plants remain integral to traditional healthcare systems across India, with North Bihar harboring a rich diversity of ethnobotanically significant species. However, systematic quantitative data on the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant potential of these plants from this specific geographical region remain limited. Objective: This study aimed to quantitatively assess the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and in vitro antioxidant capacity of three medicinally important plants—Azadirachta indica, Ocimum sanctum, and Tinospora cordifolia—collected from three districts of North Bihar: Darbhanga, Madhubani, and Sitamarhi. Methods: Plant materials were collected from the selected study sites in North Bihar and taxonomically authenticated prior to laboratory analysis. The dried samples were extracted using a 70% hydroethanolic solvent (ethanol:water, 70:30 v/v) to obtain phytochemical-rich extracts. Total phenolic content (TPC) was quantified by the Folin–Ciocalteu colorimetric method, whereas total flavonoid content (TFC) was estimated using the aluminium chloride colorimetric assay. The antioxidant potential of each extract was investigated through DPPH free-radical scavenging, ABTS radical cation decolorization, and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. To examine variations among species and collection sites, the experimental data were further analysed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), enabling the identification of phytochemical and antioxidant relationships. Results: Significant variation in phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity was observed across species and collection sites. Tinospora cordifolia consistently exhibited the highest TPC (42.36 ± 1.45 to 58.72 ± 1.82 mg GAE/g) and TFC (28.14 ± 0.92 to 39.65 ± 1.23 mg QE/g), followed by Ocimum sanctum and Azadirachta indica. The DPPH IC₅₀ values ranged from 32.45 ± 1.23 µg/mL (T. cordifolia, Madhubani) to 78.36 ± 2.14 µg/mL (A. indica, Sitamarhi). Strong positive correlations (R² > 0.85) were established between phenolic/flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity. PCA explained 94.68% of total variance, clearly discriminating species and geographical clusters. Conclusion: The findings validate the traditional therapeutic uses of these plants and highlight the influence of geographical location on bioactive compound accumulation. Tinospora cordifolia from Madhubani emerged as the most promising source of natural antioxidants
Keywords: Antioxidant activity, Azadirachta indica, Flavonoids, North Bihar, Ocimum sanctum, Phenolic compounds, Principal Component Analysis, Tinospora cordifolia
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Research & Reviews : Journal of Botany
| Volume | 15 | |
| 03 | ||
| Received | 25/09/2026 | |
| Accepted | 03/10/2026 | |
| Published | 05/10/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 10 Days |