Bioactivity guided phytochemical investigations of onosma bracteatum wall a controversial species of GOJIHVA

Abstract

quotBackground: Gojihva, an Ayurvedic medicinal plant, traditionally used in diseases like respiratory disorders, fevers, depression, heart, and liver tonic, is one of the commercially important plants, having controversial botanical sources. At least seven species are considered as Gojihva. Work in the area of marker phytoconstituents for standardization of correct plant source need to be carried out. No constituents have been reported from majority of species with activity related to hepatic and renal diseases. newlineAim: Onosma bracteatum Wall is considered officially as Gojihva in India. Our study aimed to explore the plant through bioactivity guided phytochemical investigation in relation to hepatoprotective and diuretic activity. In silico screening against SARS-CoV-2 and isolation of mucilage was performed. newlineMaterials and Methods: The plant was screened for pharmacognostical parameters and sequential pet. ether, chloroform, methanol, and water extracts were prepared. The extracts were screened for DPPH assay, in vitro hepatoprotective activity, and in vivo diuretic and laxative potential. Selected compounds were screened for SARS-CoV-2 targets in silico. Mucilage was isolated and rheological properties were measured. Phytochemicals were isolated from the active methanol extract characterized. Estimation of compounds in the plant was carried out using HPTLC. newlineResults: The plant is good source of K, Fe and Zn. The plant possesses good antioxidant activity. The methanol and water extract and mucilage of the plant showed significant hepatoprotective activity. The methanol extract showed significant diuretic action. Pulmonarioside C, a compound of O. bracteatum, showed significantly higher binding potential towards SARS CoV-2 targets through in silico screening. An optimized method of extraction of mucilage was developed. The mucilage exhibited less viscosity and more elastic nature in viscoelastic behaviour compared to sodium alginate. and#946;-sitosterol was isolated for first time from the plant along with caffeic acid.