Integrative phytochemical profiling of Allamanda cathartica L. with antioxidant validation

Allamanda cathartica L. (Apocynaceae) is a traditional medicinal plant. We investigated its pharmacognostic standardization, phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential. Methanolic extraction yielded 7.5 % (w/w) dry extract, the physicochemical analysis showed total ash, water-insoluble ash and acid-insoluble ash values were 10 %, 1 % and 4 % respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates and amino acids. FTIR analysis confirmed hydroxyl, aliphatic, aromatic and glycosidic functional groups. The methanolic extract exhibited concentration-dependent DPPH (7.43-40.24 %) and H2O2 (7.88-30.54 %) radical scavenging activity, although lower than ascorbic acid. These findings validated A. cathartica as a rich source of bioactive phytoconstituents with notable antioxidant potential for medicinal use.