ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the leaves of Hydrocotyle javanica Thunb. as a source of safe and effective antibacterial herbal medicine. Methods The standardization was validated by stepwise physicochemical studies, element analysis, determination of ash values, fluorescence analysis, assessment of moisture content, extractive values in different solvent systems and extraction methods. Heavy metal contents, mineral and element contents were analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer and CHNS/O analyser, respectively. Results The methanol extract of the folklore medicinal plant having antibacterial efficacy contained flavonoids and phenolic OH groups. The ICP multi standard indicated the presence of three major compounds with molecular mass of 161 190 and 221 Da. Heavy metals viz. lead, mercury and copper content were 4.38 ppm, < 0.05 ppm and 24.70 ppm, respectively. Minerals content of calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron were 1 190.94 mg/100 g, 375.57 mg/100 g, 2 820 mg/100 g and 340.20 mg/100 g of plant sample, respectively. Elements like carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur contents were 38.18%, 5.67%, 2.23% and 0.51%, respectively. Heavy metal profile of the tested plant was within the permissible limits of the regulatory authorities. Conclusions Hence the present physicochemical and elements studies reveals that the plant Hydrocotyle javanica Thunb. could be a potent source of herbal preparation as well as a safe and novel synthetic antibacterial drug.