Preliminary quality assessment, LC-QTOF-MS phytochemical profiling and in vitro antioxidant activities of Tri-Pit-Jak herbal tea

Tri-Pit-Jak herbal tea, composed of Syzygium aromaticum, Foeniculum vulgare, and Myristica fragrans, is a traditional Thai herbal preparation used to balance body elements and promote health. However, scientific evidence regarding its quality control and chemical composition remains limited. This study aimed to establish pharmacognostic standards, characterize the phytochemical profile, and evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity of Tri-Pit-Jak herbal tea extract. Raw materials were evaluated through pharmacognostic analyses, including macroscopic, microscopic, and physicochemical examinations (loss on drying, total ash, and extractive values). The chemical composition of the extract was characterized using LC-QTOF-MS in both positive and negative ionization modes. Antioxidant activities were assessed using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, metal chelating, superoxide anion scavenging, and ORAC assays. Nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity was determined using the sodium nitroprusside assay. Pharmacognostic evaluation confirmed that all raw materials complied with pharmacopoeial standards for identity and purity. LC-QTOF-MS analysis tentatively identified 90 compounds, including phenolic acids (e.g., gallic acid and ellagic acid), flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, luteolin, and diosmetin), and coumarins. These compounds represent important bioactive constituents and potential quality markers. The extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity across all assays and demonstrated notable NO scavenging capacity. This study provides the first scientific report establishing quality control parameters and a chemical fingerprint for Tri-Pit-Jak herbal tea. The results offer preliminary physicochemical and phytochemical characterization, together with evidence of antioxidant potential, supporting its traditional use and providing a foundation for further quality standardization and biological investigations. • Standards set for Tri-Pit-Jak herbal tea quality control. • LC-QTOF-MS identified 90 bioactives in Tri-Pit-Jak tea. • Tri-Pit-Jak tea rich in phenolics and flavonoids. • Tri-Pit-Jak tea showed potent antioxidant effects. • Tri-Pit-Jak tea reduced nitric oxide production.