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Abstract

Since, the free radicals induced oxidative stress is posing threat present researchers are focusing on natural sources that could serve as antioxidants to combat the oxidative damage mediated diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis and cancer. In this context, present study was carried out to investigate the botanical characters, chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant potential of Jatropha gossypifolia L. so as to provide scientific evidences for the medicinal properties claimed on this plant. Microscopic studies were conducted on both entire leaf and leaf powder, the elemental composition of leaf powder was investigated. Extracts of J. gossypifolia leaf was prepared with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol and water and screened for the detection of various phytochemicals and the major phytochemical compounds present were identified through HPTLC and GC-MS analysis. In vitro antioxidant activity of solvent extracts was evaluated through reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging assays. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, flavones, glycosides, steroids, alkaloids and quinines in the ethanolic extract. Quantification of phytochemicals showed 3.35 mg/kg of alkaloids, 3.60 mg/kg flavonoids, 0.22 mg/kg tannins and 0.12 mg/kg glycosides. Elemental composition revealed the existence of high level of calcium (3.89%) and iron (85 ppm), which have clinical importance. Presence of alkaloids, quercetin, and fraxetin were confirmed with HPTLC analysis. Among the different solvent extracts, ethyl acetate exhibited higher antioxidant activity. Presence of phytochemicals such as p-Cymene, Fumaric acid, 12-Octadecanoic acid, 1-Heptadecanol, and Yashabushiketol were confirmed in this plant through GC-MS analysis. Botanical and chemical standards were determined for J. gossypifolia leaf through the present investigation and the results of in vitro antioxidant assays gives the scientific evidence for the health benefits and medicinal effects claimed on J. gossypifolia.