PHARMACOGNOSTIC STANDARDIZATION, PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION POTENTIAL OF IRIS GERMANICA L.

Iffet Aara, Mohammad Faheem*, Shah Shahista

ABSTRACT

This investigation thoroughly highlights the pharmacognostic and phytochemical potential of Iris germanica L., confirming its traditional medicinal applications and laying a foundation for modern therapeutic use. Macroscopic and microscopic analyses detailed the rhizomes' distinctive organoleptic properties (brown-yellow coloration, bitter taste) and histological characteristics (fibrous texture, vascular bundles), essential for species authentication and quality assurance. Physicochemical assessments—including total ash (10.241%), acid-insoluble ash (3.805%), moisture content (19.07%), and neutral pH—verified the plant’s purity in accordance with WHO herbal drug standards. Fluorescence analysis under UV light revealed characteristic emissions, offering a reliable tool for identification. Phytochemical profiling detected a rich array of bioactive constituents, notably flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin), phenolics, terpenoids, and alkaloids. Ethanolic extracts exhibited the highest levels of total phenolics (305.12 ± 8.10 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (286.41 ± 8.67 mg RE/g), correlating with potent antioxidant activity demonstrated in DPPH and FRAP assays. Heavy metal analysis confirmed safe concentrations (Cd: 0.045 ppm; Pb: 0.416 ppm), while ethanol emerged as the most effective solvent for extracting polar compounds. Collectively, these findings underscore Iris germanica's potential as a source of neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and antioxidant agents. However, further research is required to isolate specific active compounds, clarify mechanisms of action (e.g., serotonin pathway modulation for antidepressant effects), and validate therapeutic efficacy through in vivo and clinical evaluations. This work provides a standardized framework for developing safe and reproducible Iris germanica-based herbal products and advocates its integration into nutraceuticals and complementary therapies for oxidative stress-related conditions.

Keywords:

Iris germanica, pharmacognosy, phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity, herbal standardization

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