Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Medicinal Plants from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

Medicinal plants play a vital role in global health systems, particularly in developing countries where traditional medicine remains a cornerstone of primary healthcare. Phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, and terpenoids are bioactive compounds that confer protective effects against oxidative stress, which underlies numerous chronic diseases including cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegeneration. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a province of Pakistan, is exceptionally rich in biodiversity and ethnomedicinal traditions, yet remains underexplored in terms of systematic phytochemical and antioxidant analysis. This paper presents a cross-population analysis of phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activities of medicinal plants from KP, integrating existing studies with new perspectives on their public health relevance.

Data were synthesized from primary research studies, ethnomedicinal surveys, and laboratory analyses conducted in KP and across Pakistan. Commonly studied species included Berberis lycium, Withania somnifera, Ajuga bracteosa, Mentha longifolia, Ocimum basilicum, and Nigella sativa. Phytochemical screening consistently revealed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins. Quantitative assays demonstrated high total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), correlating strongly with antioxidant activities measured by DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays. Notably, Berberis lycium and Ajuga bracteosa showed potent radical scavenging capacity (IC50 values < 50 µg/mL), positioning them as strong candidates for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical development.

Findings confirm that KP’s medicinal flora contains bioactive compounds of global pharmacological interest, validating many traditional uses. The implications extend beyond ethnopharmacology, offering pathways for local herbal industries, nutraceutical markets, and preventive healthcare strategies. However, limitations include seasonal variability, methodological heterogeneity across studies, and the need for in vivo and clinical trials. Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 9, and 15), these results highlight the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern phytochemical research to improve health outcomes and promote sustainable biodiversity use in Pakistan.