COMPARATIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF TRIDAX PROCUMBENS AND TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA"

Abstract

The present study aims to comparatively evaluate the phytochemical composition and pharmacological activities of Tridax procumbens and Tinospora cordifolia, two widely used medicinal plants. Plant extracts were prepared using standard solvent extraction methods and subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening. Pharmacological activities, including antioxidant (DPPH assay), antimicrobial (agar well diffusion), anti-inflammatory (protein denaturation), and antidiabetic (α-amylase inhibition) assays, were evaluated. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of key bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, and terpenoids in both plants. Quantitative estimation showed higher total phenolic and flavonoid content in Tinospora cordifolia compared to Tridax procumbens. In pharmacological studies, both extracts exhibited dose-dependent activity; however, Tinospora cordifolia demonstrated significantly stronger antioxidant activity (lower IC₅₀), greater antimicrobial effects, higher inhibition of protein denaturation, and more pronounced α-amylase inhibitory activity. The findings indicate a positive correlation between phytochemical content and pharmacological efficacy. Overall, Tinospora cordifolia showed superior therapeutic potential, although Tridax procumbens also exhibited considerable biological activity. This study supports the traditional use of both plants and highlights their potential as sources of bioactive compounds for the development of natural therapeutic agents. Further studies are recommended to isolate active constituents and validate their clinical applications.