Pharmacognostic standardization, phytochemical profiling and in vitro antioxidant evaluation of Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook.f. & Thomson leaves

Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook.f. & Thomson (Menispermaceae) is a traditional medicinal plant renowned for its therapeutic properties in addressing various inflammatory disorders associated with the immune system. This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of T. crispa leaves, encompassing macro-microscopic analysis and physiochemical profiling. The macro-microscopic assessment revealed distinctive features, including the presence of anomocytic stomata with a spacious air chamber in the lower epidermis of the lamina, the absence of spongy tissues, a collenchymatous hypodermis succeeded by a parenchymatous cortex in the midrib and a dome-shaped arrangement of sclerenchyma cells. Furthermore, chemical reactions of T. crispa leaf powder with diverse reagents led to characteristic colour changes visible under both normal light and UV light. The leaf extract displayed remarkable antioxidant activity, exhibiting inhibition percentages of 35%, 55%, 62%, 58% and 53% at concentrations of 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 µg/ml respectively. The outcomes of this study contribute to the differentiation and identification of T. crispa leaves from closely related species, even when they are in crushed or powdered forms.