Investigation of the active compounds and biological activities of Pouzolzia zeylanica root cultivated in coastal sandy soil in Thanh Phu district, Ben Tre province

Abstract

Pouzolzia zeylanica is a medicinal plant widely cultivated in Vietnam, with its leaves traditionally used for therapeutic purposes. Interestingly, when grown using a specific cultivation method in the coastal sandy soils of Thanh Phu District, Ben Tre Province, the plant develops a tuber that resembles ginseng in appearance, color, and aroma. Nowadays, no studies have been reported either in Vietnam or internationally on this tuber, locally referred to Pouzolzia zeylanica. The objective of this study was to quantify the total contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, and saponins, and to evaluate key biological activities of the tuber, including antioxidant activities using three in vitro models (DPPH, ABTS, and ferric reducing antioxidant power), anti-inflammatory activity, and the inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Phytochemical analysis revealed that Pouzolzia zeylanica contains a high level of bioactive compounds, with total polyphenol content of 74,39 mg GAE/g extract, total flavonoid content of 28,96 mg QUE/g extract, and notably, total saponin content of 176,26 mg OA/g extract. Pouzolzia zeylanica exhibited significant antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 1,622 mg/mL (DPPH), 0,609 mg/mL (ABTS), and 0,32 mg/mL (ferric reducing power). It also demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity with an IC₅₀ of 0,024 mg/mL, and inhibitory effects against α-amylase and α-glucosidase with IC₅₀ values of 301,34 mg/mL and 107,15 mg/mL, respectively. These findings indicate that Pouzolzia zeylanica possesses promising biological activities and offers a valuable foundation for further pharmacological and phytochemical research.