Phytochemical study and antioxidant activity of equisetum diffusum

Abstract

Plants are significant storage of nutrients and an important part of the routine diet of humans. They give us carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, antioxidants agents, essential nutrients, and a significant reservoir of naturally dynamic substances. Firstly in 1825, D. Don described E. difjusum in prodromus flora Nepalensis. E. diffusum plants were found along a street in shrubberies or semi-concealed spots close to the stream in sandy soil, happening from 440-3600 meter height. It belonged to Equisetaceae family and Equisetum genus. This plant prominently recognized as Horsetail , Himalayan horsetail , Scouring rushes and Choti hadjod . Organoleptic, macroscopic and powder microscopic study was the most powerful technique of plant adulteration, authentication and purity of plant sample. newlineCuticularised epidermis, silica deposition in whole plant body, number of six ridge, groove and leaves, , Biangulate ridges and two keeled sheath, linear paracytic stomata, smooth and undulant epidermal cell wall, six number of vascular bundle of found in stem and five vascular bundle found in rhizome were found in plant sample. This will be helpful for future examination and validation of plant. The extractive quantities give a thought regarding the compound concentration of the plant sample. Highest soluble extractive value was observed in water (57.33 %) followed by methanol (42.59 %). The ash quantity decides the natural matter or inorganic organization and different pollutants present alongside the plant sample. Total ash value (19.70%), acid insoluble ash (10.32%), water soluble ash (15.31 %) were observed in plant sample. The less value of LOD (2.77 %) observed in plant samples they prevent the growth of microorganisms. Fluorescence study performs in normal sunlight, shoter and higher UV. These colours showed several plant compound existences in this plant. The highest phytochemicals were found in water and methanol extract followed by chloroform in qualitative study. The maximum quantity of phyto-content was found in alka