Phytochemical Characterization and Scratch Assay of Pergularia daemia for Therapeutic Applications- A Scientific Approach

Abstract

The present study evaluates the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of the ethanolic extract of  Pergularia daemia, a medicinal plant widely used in traditional systems. Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov.  exhibits dual ecological and socio-economic roles, functioning both as a valued ethnomedicinal plant and an  invasive weed across tropical and subtropical. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of  bioactive constituents such as phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, with quantitative analysis revealing  high levels of total phenolics (131.30±6.2) and flavonoids (57.59±0.72), indicating strong antioxidant relevance.  Physicochemical and chromatographic analyses further supported the quality and purity of the plant material.  Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging and superoxide anion scavenging assays, with  ascorbic acid as the reference standard. The extract exhibited a concentration-dependent increase in radical  scavenging activity in both assays. In the DPPH assay, the extract showed moderate antioxidant activity with an  IC₅₀ value of approximately 197 µg/mL, compared to the lower IC₅₀ of ascorbic acid, indicating higher potency  of the standard. However, at higher concentrations, the extract demonstrated substantial inhibition (73.09±1.22%),  approaching the activity of the standard, suggesting strong total antioxidant capacity despite lower potency.  Similar trends were observed in the superoxide scavenging assay. The observed antioxidant activity can be  attributed to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, known for their electron-donating and free radical  neutralizing abilities. The Anti-Inflammatory activity was evaluated by scratch assay (in-vitro). The extract shows  92.15% of wound closure in 48 hours. Overall, the findings suggest that Pergularia daemia possesses significant  antioxidant potential and wound healing activity. It may serve as a promising natural source of bioactive  compounds for therapeutic applications, although further studies are required to isolate and characterize the active  constituents.