Quercitrin and Quercetin from Piliostigma Malabaricum and Cheniella Lakhonensis : Ultrasound‐Assisted Extraction, HPLC and LC‐MS Analysis, and Bioactivity Evaluation

This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and anti‐inflammatory potential of ethanolic leaf extracts of Piliostigma malabaricum and Cheniella lakhonensis . Preliminary phytochemical screening showed that both species contained phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and cardiac glycosides, indicating diverse secondary metabolites. Quantitative analysis showed that C. lakhonensis contained higher total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents than P. malabaricum . The antioxidant activity of the extracts was assessed using the DPPH radical‐scavenging assay and was significantly stronger in C. lakhonensis (IC 50 = 132.77 ± 3.80 μg/mL) than in P. malabaricum (IC 50 = 322.96 ± 2.77 μg/mL), compared with ascorbic acid (IC 50 = 68.25 ± 2.30 μg/mL). Both extracts demonstrated significant suppression of albumin denaturation under the evaluated in vitro conditions, indicating initial anti‐inflammatory capabilities, with P. malabaricum showing a slightly higher inhibitory effect. HPLC quantification and LC‐MS analysis investigations verified the existence of quercetin and quercitrin in both species, with elevated concentrations observed in C . lakhonensis . These results offer initial in vitro evidence suggesting that both species could be valuable sources of bioactive compounds; nonetheless, further antioxidant assays, mechanistic research, safety assessments, and in vivo studies are necessary prior to confirming their functional food or therapeutic uses.