EC Pharmacology And Toxicology

Phytochemical screening is crucial in identifying and characterizing bioactive compounds derived from plants. Since ancient times, plants have been the primary source of discovering new drug molecules. With the help of modern technologies and methods, developing new drug molecules has never been easier. Terminalia bellirica, commonly known as Bahera or Beleric, is a significant medicinal plant belonging to the Combretaceae family. Its pharmacological activities are attributed to various bioactive compounds, including gallic acid, tannins, and other phenolic compounds, contributing to its diverse therapeutic effects. For this study, the methanolic extract of Terminalia bellirica leaf was subjected to screening for various compounds, and the presence of carbohydrates, saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, and even steroids was found. Through the DPPH radical scavenging method, a significant presence of antioxidant activity was found, which was not dose-dependent. Therefore, further studies are required to understand the existing antioxidant potentiality of Terminalia bellirica leaf.

 Keywords: Phytomedicine; Antioxidant; Terminalia; Traditional Medicine

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