Bioactive Potential, Essential Oil Analysis of Inula Cappa Collected from Uttarakhand Himalaya, India

Abstract

Inula cappa (Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) DC. (Asteraceae), a high potential medicinal herb and traditionally used in Ayurvedic, Chinese and Tibetan medicine, has been recognized for its diverse pharmacological properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential and antimicrobial effect of leaf extracts obtained using different solvents. Antioxidant activity was assessed through standard assays, including DPPH radical scavenging, revealing a concentration-dependent free radical scavenging effect. The methanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant potential, correlating positively with its total phenolic and flavonoid content. Bioactive compounds were identified by GCMS. Antimicrobial activity was tested minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. Results demonstrated notable inhibition zones, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with the methanolic extracts showing superior efficacy compared to other extracts. These findings suggest that Inula cappa leaves are a promising source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, supporting their potential application in pharmaceutical formulations.