Abstract

SCREENING FOR LEAVES OF IXORA COCCINEA LINN FOR PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY: A PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Chaithanya Sai D.*, Nandhini R., Rohini S., Sandhiya K, Dr. Padma R., Dr. Sathish A.

Abstract

Medicinal plants have long served as a primary source of therapeutic agents due to their safety, affordability, and diverse pharmacological properties. The present study focuses on the screening of leaves of Ixora coccinea Linn. (Rubiaceae) for phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activity. The plant, widely used in traditional systems, is known for its therapeutic applications including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Leaves were collected, authenticated, shade-dried, powdered, and subjected to successive extraction using solvents of increasing polarity. Preliminary phytochemical screening identified major compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, and phenolics. Pharmacognostical evaluation and antioxidant assays confirmed significant activity. The findings support the traditional use of Ixora coccinea and highlight its potential as a natural antioxidant source.

Keywords: Ixora coccinea; Phytochemical screening; Antioxidant activity; Pharmacognosy; Herbal medicine.