Physicochemical, Phytochemical and Toxicological Study of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Aerva javanica Roots

Aim: The study is aimed at determining the characters of roots of Aerva javanica (A.javanica) assessing acute oral toxicity of hydroalcoholic extract of roots of Aerva javanica. Place and Duration of Study: the physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation was carried out at Faculty of Pharmacy, Maulana Azad University Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Acute Oral Toxicity was studied at Bilwal Medchem and Research Laboratory, Jaipur Rajasthan. The duration of study June 2021 – July 2021 Methodology: The pharmacognostical characters were evaluated in terms of organoleptic property, physico-chemical parameters, and preliminary phytochemical investigation. The acute oral toxicity was determined using the 423, OECD guideline for testing of chemical, acute toxic class method. Results: The physico-chemical analysis revealed total ash; water soluble ash and, acid insoluble ash to be 6.36 ± 0.26%, 0.79 ±0.23 % and, 1.23 ± 0.34%. The water, alcohol and petroleum ether soluble extractive values were found to be 17.88± 3.54 %, 15.58 ± 1.13% and, 0.3 ± 0.13 %. The percentage yield of hydroalcoholic extract of root of A.javanica was found to be 24%. The phytochemical screening of hydroalcoholic extract revealed the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, tannins, proteins, and fixed oil.  The acute oral toxicity of hydroalcoholic extract of root of A.javanica revealed that the extract was found to be safe till 2000 mg/kg BW. Conclusion: The results of the present study will furnish data helpful in the correct identification and authentication of roots of A.javanica. The extractive value shed light on the most suitable solvent to be chosen to obtain extract rich in phytoconstituents. The physicochemical screening furnished data on important phytoconstituents present in the hydroalcoholic extract which could be helpful in isolation and purification of desired phytoconstituents.  Acute oral toxicity study revealed that the extract is safe till 2000 mg/kg BW which could be helpful in selection of dose for future pharmacological activities.