Pharmacognostical, physicochemical, and phytochemical characterization of Piper longum Linn. (Piplamool) leaves: A standardization approach for herbal drug development

Medicinal plants have long been considered the foundation of traditional healthcare systems, with over 3.3 billion people in developing nations depending on them for treating various ailments. The present study was undertaken to perform comprehensive pharmacognostical, physicochemical, and phytochemical evaluations of Piper longum Linn. (Piplamool) leaves to establish quality control parameters essential for herbal drug standardization. Physicochemical analyses revealed a total ash value of 13.64 ± 0.33% w/w, acid-insoluble ash 1.56 ± 0.21% w/w, and water-insoluble ash 4.27 ± 0.53% w/w. Alcohol-soluble and water-soluble extractive values were recorded at 18.01 ± 0.44% and 6.71 ± 0.47% w/w, respectively. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, carbohydrates, glycosides, and phenolic compounds. Among various solvent extracts, ethanolic extract exhibited the highest extractive yield (28.72 ± 0.14%) and total phenolic content (68.75 ± 0.97 mg GAE/g extract). Additionally, antioxidant activity assessed via the DPPH radical scavenging assay demonstrated an IC₅₀ value of 42.8 mg/mL, validating the extract’s appreciable free radical quenching potential. These findings scientifically support the traditional uses of Piper longum and lay the groundwork for its standardization as a reliable phytotherapeutic agent.