Integrative chromatographic and spectrophotometric analysis of the phytoconstituents, microbial limit test and antioxidant activity of a polyherbal immune booster
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Abstract
Despite the widespread use of herbal immune boosters in Nigeria, many lack rigorous quality evaluation to ensure consumer safety. As data on the quality and safety of many marketed polyherbal products remain scarce, this study aimed to evaluate BDP, a polyherbal immune-booster containing Plukenetia conophora Müll. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) and Terminalia catappa L. (Combretacea), following pharmacopoeial standards. Qualitative phytochemical screening, spectrophotometric quantification, and determination of physicochemical parameters were performed. Bioactive compounds and vitamins were evaluated using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Antioxidant potential was determined via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays. Total aerobic microbial and total yeast/mould counts were also determined. Phytochemical analysis revealed phenolics (47.506 mg/g), steroids (45.469 mg/g), and flavonoids (14.097 mg/g). Total ash (8.37%), acid-insoluble ( 2.67%), and moisture content (7.80%) indicated acceptable purity and stability. The main compounds detected in the GC-MS analysis were Linolenic acid (69.73%), Stearic acid (5.46%), Linolenic acid methyl ester (4.86%), (Z)-3-(Heptadec-10-en-1-yl) phenol (3.95%), and Palmitic acid (2.99%). HPLC analysis showed high levels of quercetin, gallic acid, and luteolin, along with vitamins B3, B6, B9, and C, and the extract demonstrated potent concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. The microbiological results complied with British Pharmacopoeia limits. Findings from this study confirm that the polyherbal formulation meets several quality standards and shows significant antioxidant activity. Physicochemical and microbial parameters were also within the acceptable limits. However, further investigations are required to concretely establish the safety of this product.
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