Preliminary phytochemical screening, RP-HPLC, HPTLC and anti-oxidant studies of Pinus maritimus

Objective: The aim of the present study is to screen for the phytochemical constituents present in the ethanolic extract of whole plant of Pinus maritimus (PM). Method: The ethanolic extract of the dried whole plant of PM is subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening which showed the presence of major phytoconstituents such as phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The extract was screened for its antioxidant activity by 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl radical, ferric reducing antioxidant potential, and nitric oxide scavenging assay. Further, the ethanolic extract was subjected to fingerprinting technique high-pressure thin-layer chromatography. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed to estimate the amount of total phenolics, flavonoids, and alkaloids quantitatively in isocratic mode. Results: Phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extract of the plant showed the presence of pharmacologically important constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and terpenoids. The study also revealed the potential antioxidant activity of the extract with IC50 value. Reverse-phase HPLC showed 0.119 μg/ml of total phenolics, 0.257 μg/ml of alkaloids, and 0.0016 μg /ml of flavonoids. Conclusion: Scientific evaluation of this plant was carried out which is very important for the standardization of the plant-based drug. PM is one which has therapeutic importance as it showed pharmacologically important constituents