Comparative study of Scleromitrion diffusum and Oldenlandia corymbosa:
mircoscopy, TLC, HPLC and antioxidant activity
Abstract
Quality control of herbal medicines is an important and necessary issue,
especially the role of herbal drug identification to avoid misuse of
herb that affect efficacy, or cause toxicity. Scleromitrion
diffusum (SD) is one of the most common herbs but often confused with
Oldenlandia corymbosa (OC). 10 samples of SD and 10 samples of OC
were collected on the Taiwan markets. This study conducted the analysis
of morphology, microscopy, TLC, HPLC using two markers Asperuloside
(ASP) and Scandoside methyl ester (SME) to distinguish SD and OC.
Through quantification of total polyphenols and total flavanoids,
investigating antioxidant activity through DPPH free radical scavenging
effect, ABTS •+ scavenging effect and reducing power
to further clarify the biological effects of two herbs. Study results
show the differences in microscopy and suggests a TLC method for
distinguishing two herbs on the markets. In HPLC, the ratio of two
markers ASP and SME in two herbs was also different when SD contained
higher content of ASP and conversely OC higher SME. With more total
polyphenols and total flavonoids in SD than that in OC, the antioxidant
activity of SD is superior to that of OC. This study provides a more
comprehensive perspective for identification and quality evaluation of
SD on the markets.