Pharmacognostic Characterization and Antacid Activity of Aqueous Extract of Desmodium triflorum Linn and Pogostemon heyneanus Benth

Abstract

Present study was aimed to investigate the antacid potential of Desmodium triflorum Linn whole plant and Pogostemon heyneanus Benth leaves and to establish their diagnostic characteristics. Powder microscopy, detailed anatomical characteristics, analysis of phytochemicals and Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography were done. In addition, neutralizing effects on artificial gastric acid (AGA) by aqueous extracts (AE) of the plants, their ethyl acetate fractions (EAF) and residual aqueous fractions (RAF) were determined. Fordtran’s model (a titration method) was used to evaluate the in vitro neutralization capacity. A modified model of Vatier's artificial stomach was used in the assessment of in vitro acid neutralization duration. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0. Pharmacognostic study aids in establishing the standardization parameters. Treatments including AE, RAF of D. triflorum and P. heyneanus showed significant (P<0.01) acid neutralizing effects, duration for consistent neutralization and neutralization capacities. Findings of this study indicated that D. triflorum whole plant and P. heyneanus leaves possessed potent antacid effects.