Pharmacognostical Studies and Validation of Polyphenol Rich Extract of Alectra parasitica subsp. chitrakutensis in Traditional Claim for Edema

Background: Alectra parasitica subsp. chitrakutensis, a holoparasitic plant endemic to India, is traditionally used for rheumatism, edema, and leukoderma. However, scientific validation of its medicinal claims remains limited. Objectives: This study aimed to quantify key phenolic compounds using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and evaluate the anti-edematous potential of the plant through in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory assays. Materials and Methods: The rhizomes were collected and subjected to physicochemical and phytochemical analyses. RP-HPLC was employed to quantify key phenolic compounds. Additionally, in vitro assays including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), ferric reducing power assay (FRAP), lipid peroxidation, and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), anti-protease, and protein denaturation were performed to assess biological activities relevant to edema. Results: RP-HPLC analysis revealed the presence of four phenolic compounds; gallic acid (1.40 ± 0.08 µg mg–¹) was in abundance. The extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50: 32.29 µg mL–¹; ABTS IC50: 41.05 µg mL–¹; ORAC: 210,404.3 µmol g–¹ ASE equivalents; lipid peroxidation IC50: 31.46 µg mL–¹) and a dose-dependent increase in ferric reducing capacity. Anti-inflammatory potential was confirmed through anti-protease (IC50: 89.92 µg mL–¹) and protein denaturation (IC50: 53.86 µg mL–¹) assays. Conclusion: This study scientifically validates the traditional use of A. parasitica in managing edema by demonstrating its ability to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation, two key factors contributing to edema. Its rich polyphenolic content, along with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, positions it as a promising candidate for further development as a plant-based therapeutic agent.