Comparative Analysis of Biochemical Attributes of Genus Polygonatum in Western Himalaya

P. cirrhifolium , P. multiflorum and P. verticillatum are important medicinal herb of genus Polygonatum found in Himalaya and are used in many ayurvedic formulations including Chyavanprash. However, a comparative account on their biochemical attributes in Himalaya is still lacking. Therefore, the present attempt was made to explore the polyphenolics and antioxidant activity in targeted species. Result revealed a varied range of polyphenolics (i.e., phenolics 1.90–6.12; tannins 1.57–3.78; flavonols 1.30–8.59; flavonoids 1.83–7.32 mg/g dry weight, respectively) and antioxidant activity (ABTS 3.22–6.11; DPPH 0.99–1.70; FRAP 0.35–2.32 mM AAE/100 g dry weight). Results are indicative that P. verticillatum possesses higher polyphenolic activity and P. cirrhifolium is rich in DPPH and FRAP activity. However, P. verticillatum and P. cirrhifolium are threatened in wild and hence, P. multiflorum with maximum total flavonoids and total antioxidant ABTS activity can be prioritized and used as a substitute to reduce pressure on these species.