Abstract:
Background: Desmodium triflorum (Heen-Undupiyaliya) is a small, prostrate perennial herb
which belongs to the family Lamiaceae. The plant has been in folkloric use including gastric
ailments.
Objectives: To analyze phytochemical profile and in vitro antacid potency of aqueous extract
(AE) of whole plant of D. triflorum.
Methods: A detailed anatomical study and powder microscopy was performed. Dry powder (50
g) of whole plant was refluxed using distilled water for four hours. Crude AE was subjected for
(a) preliminary phytochemical screening and (b) quantification of total polyphenol (TPC) and
flavonoid content (TFC) using standard protocols. In addition, neutralizing effects on artificial
gastric acid (AGA) were determined. Neutralization capacity was evaluated via the titration
method of Fordtran’s model and the samples at 37°C were titrated with 0.1N HCl and the mean
volumes of HCl required to reach pH of 3.00 were determined. A modified model of Vatier's
artificial stomach was used to determine the duration of consistent neutralization of AGA. A
commercially available antacid was used as the positive control and distilled water served as the
negative control. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 25.0.
Results: Fibers and calcium oxalate crystals were highly abundant components observed in the
powdered samples and dicotyledon cellular structure was observed under anatomical studies
conducted. Polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, steroids and
cardiac glycosides were present in AE. TPC and TFC of AE were 0.69 mg gallic acid
equivalents/g and 0.95 mg quercetin equivalents/g, respectively. Different concentrations of the
AE possessed significant (p<0.001) antacid potencies. Dose dependent increase in duration of
consistent neutralization was observed in AE. AE at a dose of 58.0 mg/mL has exhibited the
highest neutralizing capacity and higher duration of consistent neutralization (p<0.001) among
the tested doses.
Conclusions: D. triflorum rich in phytochemicals and poses significant neutralization capacity
