Phytochemical profiling of Dioscorea hispida Dennst for linking phenolics and flavonoid to antidepressant potential
Keywords:
Dioscorea hispida Dennst, Phenolic compounds,, Flavonoids, Phytochemical analysis, Neuroprotective activity, Antidepressant potentialAbstract
Dioscorea hispida Dennst. is a traditionally valued medicinal tuber recognized for its therapeutic relevance in neurological disorders. The present study sought to conduct preliminary phytochemical screening and quantify phenolic and flavonoid content in D. hispida to establish a biochemical basis for its potential antidepressant properties. Phenolic and flavonoid compounds are well-documented for their antioxidant, neuroprotective, and neuromodulatory activities, all of which play critical roles in the pathophysiology of depression. The findings revealed a substantial concentration of total phenols, including notable levels of ortho and bound phenolic compounds, alongside significant flavonoid content. This rich phytochemical profile highlights the potential of D. hispida to alleviate oxidative stress, regulate monoaminergic neurotransmis-sion, and suppress neuroinflammatory pathways implicated in depressive disorders. These results provide a strong scientific rationale supporting the antidepressant potential of D. hispida and underscore the need for further in vivo and mechanistic investigations to validate its therapeutic efficacy
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