Phytochemical, Antioxidant, and Chromatographic Evaluation of Carissa carandas L. (Karamarda) Fruits

Introduction: Carissa carandas (Apocynaceae), a renowned Ayurvedic plant, called as Karamarda in Sanskrit, and its fruits are reported to possess significant anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiviral, antipyretic, and cardiotonic activities. The present investigation aimed for preliminary phytochemical, chromatographic studies and antioxidant activity of C. carandas fruits aqueous extract. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical studies, total flavonoid, and phenolic contents were established according to standard methods. Further, the aqueous extract was screened against free radicals, such as diphenyl picrylhydrazyl radical and nitric oxide radical. Further, its radical scavenging power was confirmed by phosphomolybdenum (total antioxidant activity) and reducing power assay. Results: C. carandas fruits aqueous extract showed significant antioxidant properties in nitric oxide (IC50-70 μg/ml), diphenyl picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging activity (IC50-800 μg/ml), and results are comparable with standard samples. Increasing concentration of fruit aqueous extract showed considerable reducing power and total antioxidant activity. The observed total phenols (50 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (12 mg RE/g) present in aqueous extract is accountable for its antioxidant potential. High-performance thin-layer chromatography screening revealed that the aqueous extract is having different phytoconstituents with different Rf (Retention Factor) values and established the fingerprint profile for the identification of C. carandas fruits. Conclusion: The current phytochemical and chromatographic analysis can be considered reference standards for future studies on C. carandas fruits. Further study is required for the isolation of bioactive natural antioxidant from C. carandas fruits.