Isolation and characterization of caffeic acid from Cobra Lily (Arisaema propinquum) and evaluation of its biological activities

Abstract

This study investigates the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of Arisaema propinquum, a medicinal herb from the Pir Panjal range of the Kashmir Himalayas. Caffeic acid was isolated and characterized from methanolic extracts of its aerial parts. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups indicative of polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, esters, and other metabolites. In vitro antioxidant activity was assessed using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic, and deoxyribose degradation assays. The deoxyribose assay showed dose-dependent inhibition of 63.2%, 69.7%, and 80.3% at concentrations of 100, 150, and 200 µg/mL, respectively, while the methanolic extract exhibited an IC₅₀ of 49.74 µg/mL in the H₂O₂ scavenging assay. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified as 40.33 ± 1.9 mg GAE/g DW and 32.77 ± 1.35 mg rutin equivalent/g DW, respectively. In vivo antioxidant activity was evaluated using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where the extract supported 76.17 ± 0.58% cell survival under oxidative stress. The findings suggest that the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of A. propinquum are attributable to its rich phytochemical profile, supporting its potential in therapeutic applications.

Keywords

• Arisaema propinquum
• Medicinal plant
• Himalayas
• Antioxidant activity
• Caffiec acid
• FTIR

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