Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Evaluation of the Ethanolic Extract of the Leaves of Abutilon indicum

Background: In Indian traditional medicine, the Abutilon indicum plant, colloquially known as "Country mallow" or "Thuthi", has been vouched for its efficacy in treating conditions such as bronchitis and diabetes. The study aimed to explore the chemical constituents and antioxidant strength of the ethanolic extracts derived from the leaves of this plant (ELEAI). Objectives: To qualitatively pinpoint the phytochemicals in the ethanolic extract of abutilon indicum leaves (ELEAI), utilize high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) to quantitatively analyze the identified compounds within the ELEAI, and gauge its antioxidant capability through the DPPH method, benchmarking the outcomes against the recognized standard, ascorbic acid. Methods: Abutilon indicum leaves, originating from Telangana, were authenticated by taxonomists at Osmania University. After cleaning and drying, the leaves were powdered. A mixture of ethanol and water (70:30 ratio) was then used to extract the compounds in a Soxhlet extractor for a duration of 72 hours at a temperature of 60°C. The liquid extract was subsequently evaporated to form a light-brown powder, which was stored at 20°C under shade for later use. Results: Preliminary analyses indicated that ELEAI was rich in both primary and secondary metabolites. Luteolin, a known phytochemical, was quantitatively confirmed in the extract using HPTLC. Impressively, the DPPH assay highlighted ELEAI's remarkable antioxidant capabilities. Conclusion: Abutilon indicum showcases notable therapeutic potential with its rich phytochemical content and strong antioxidant activity, making it a promising candidate for further pharmacological research and natural drug formulation.