Pharmacognostic Standardization, Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant Activity, and Toxicological Evaluation of the Traditionally Used Medicinal Plant Prunus wallichii Steud.

Introduction: Traditional medicinal plants play a crucial role in the management of several diseases and serve as a valuable source of bioactive compounds having significant therapeutic properties. Prunus wallichii Steud., a medicinal plant traditionally used by the Mizo tribe, remains unexplored despite its ethnomedicinal importance. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the pharmacognostic characteristics, phytochemical profile, antioxidant potential, and safety evaluation of P. wallichii. Methods: The study investigates the pharmacognostic standardization, total phenolic and total flavonoid content, in vitro antioxidant activity, acute and sub-acute toxicity studies of extracts, and HPTLC qualitative analysis of methanolic extract. Results: Pharmacognostic standardization established the identity, purity, and quality of the crude drug. The methanolic extract exhibited higher total phenolic content (207.13 ± 2.041 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (539.99 ± 25.23 mg QE/g) compared to the hydro-ethanolic extract (156.16 ± 6.55 mg GAE/g and 333.33 ± 24.035 mg QE/g, respectively). Both extracts demonstrated significant dose-dependent antioxidant activity in hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies in rodents revealed the LD₅₀ was greater than 2000 mg/ kg showing no adverse toxic effects and mortality during the study period. Hematological, biochemical, and histopathological studies demonstrated the safety profile of the extracts. High-performance thin layer chromatography analysis confirmed the presence of two bioactive markers, scopoletin and taxifolin, which are known for their diverse pharmacological activities. Conclusion: The study findings provide scientific evidence supporting the traditional medicinal use of P. wallichii and highlight its potential for future therapeutic and pharmacological applications.