Chemical and Physicochemical Properties of Elephantopus scaber L. Leaves

Abstract

Introduction and Objective: Elephantopus scaber L., a member of the Asteraceae family, is a medicinal herb traditionally utilized by local communities and high–altitude ethnic groups in Thailand. According to indigenous wisdom, the roots and whole plants are typically sun–dried and prepared as decoctions or medicinal tinctures (steeped in alcohol). Its primary therapeutic properties include enhancing physical vigor, acting as an aphrodisiac, relieving muscular pain, serving as a diuretic, and treating various male–specific ailments. Additionally, the leaves are also employed for wound healing and relieving fever and cough. Despite its extensive traditional use, E. scaber lacks established quality control specifications in the Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Consequently, this study aims to investigate the physicochemical properties of E.scaber L. leaves to provide information for the development of standard specification monograph and quality control of this herbal material.

Methods: Twelve samples of Elephantopus scaber L. were obtained from natural sources in Thailand and compared with the authentic sample received from the Herbarium Laboratory. Samples of Elephantopus scaber scaber L. were preliminarily examined for chemical properties using color reaction. Chemical identification was performed using the thin layer chromatography (TLC) method and their physicochemical properties were also determined.

Results: Of all 12 samples, based on the color reactions of the preliminary chemical examination, 12 were positive when tested for flavonoids and phenolic compounds; and based on the TLC method, they were positive for flavonoids and chlorogenic acid. As for their physicochemical property studies including gravimetric method, their mean amounts ± SD for the moisture content, total ash, acid–insoluble ash, water–soluble extractive and 95% ethanol–soluble extractive were 9.33 ± 0.75 %, 6.42 ± 1.20 %, 2.70 ± 0.92 %, 15.55 ± 3.60 % and 7.05 ± 1.59 % w/w, respectively.

Discussion: All 12 samples of Elephantopus scaber L. were found to contain substances with hR_f values and colors identical to the chlorogenic acid standard, with an hR_f value of approximately 30 – 31. However, variations in band intensity suggest differing concentrations of chlorogenic acid across the samples. These differences may be attributed to variations in cultivars, the age of the herbal plant, harvest time, soil conditions, mineral content, topography, or climatic conditions. Based on the results of the physicochemical analysis, the quality standards for dried Elephantopus scaber L. leaves should be defined as follows: moisture content, total ash, and acid–insoluble ash should be no more than 10%, 7%, and 3% w/w, respectively. Furthermore, the contents of water–soluble extractive and 95% ethanol–soluble extractive should be not less than 14% and 7% w/w, respectively.

Conclusion and Recommendation: The findings of this study will contribute to the establishment of a standard specification monograph for Elephantopus scaber L. leaf in the Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia (THP), as reference for its quality control. If future research identifies specific compounds with significant pharmacological activity suitable for drug development, quantitative research should be conducted to analyze those markers within a standardized extract. This is essential for toxicological studies, clinical trials, and future commercial utilizations, including the development of a new monograph for Elephantopus scaber L. standardized extracts in THP.

Key words: Elephantopus scaber L., physicochemical properties, proposed specifications, quality control