Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Antioxidant Capacity of Thai herbal Antitussive Formula
Keywords:
antioxidant activity, herbal formula, Thai traditional medicineAbstract
This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activity of the traditional Thai herbal formula “Um-Ma-Ruek-Ka-Va-Tee” (UM), commonly used as an antitussive and expectorant. Key ingredients such as Terminalia chebula and T. bellirica have been reported to contain high levels of phenolic compounds, which may contribute to natural antioxidant properties. Phytochemical screening was conducted using standard methods, including color and precipitation reactions.
The study used eight UM products from various manufacturers and extracts of individual herbal components. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay. The results were expressed as IC50 values. Among all samples, Phyllanthus emblica extract showed the strongest antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 254.76 ± 0.08 µg/mL The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay was also applied, with results expressed as milligrams of Trolox equivalents per gram of crude extract (mg TE/g crude extract). Samples 3, 7, and 5 exhibited the highest antioxidant capacities, with FRAP values of 242 ± 0.14, 237 ± 0.32, and 216 ± 0.08 mg TE/g crude extract, respectively. Total phenolic content was determined using gallic acid as a standard. Sample 6 had the highest phenolic content at 166 ± 0.06 mg GA/g of crude extract. Basic phytochemical screening indicated that six of the samples contained anthraquinones, triterpenoids, and tannins. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate the potential of the UM herbal formula as a natural source of antioxidants. These results support further research and development to optimize the formulation and ensure its efficacy and quality in traditional medicine.
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