Standardization and extraction profiling of bioactive extracts of Saraca asoca

Herbal medicine continues to hold a significant role in various traditional and alternative healthcare systems, including Ayurveda and Unani. Globally, approximately 25% of all prescription drugs are derived from plant sources such as trees, shrubs, and herbs. The present study aimed to perform a comprehensive phytochemical, quantitative, and antioxidant evaluation of Saraca asoca (Ashoka) bark using various solvent extracts. Soxhlet extraction was conducted with ethanol, acetone, and diethyl ether, and the extracts were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening to identify key bioactive constituents. Quantitative estimations revealed that the acetone extract possessed the highest total phenolic content (88.62±2.34 mg GAE/g), while the ethanol extract exhibited the maximum total flavonoid content (53.26 ± 1.76 mg QE/g). Antioxidant activity was assessed via the DPPH radical scavenging method, where the ethanol extract demonstrated superior antioxidant potential with an IC₅₀ value of 58.7 μg/mL, closely followed by the acetone extract. These findings highlight the rich phytochemical composition and notable antioxidant efficacy of Saraca asoca bark, substantiating its traditional therapeutic applications and supporting its potential inclusion in modern phytopharmaceutical formulations.