Pharmacognosy, Phytochemical and In-Vitro Thrombolytic Activity of leaves of Artabotrys hexapetalus

Medicinal plants remain an important source of bioactive molecules for managing thrombotic disorders, which continue to rank among the leading causes of death worldwide. Artabotrys hexapetalus (Annonaceae), a fragrant ornamental shrub with a long history of use in Ayurvedic, Siddha and folk medicine, has been reported to contain a range of pharmacologically active phytoconstituents, yet its thrombolytic potential has received little dedicated investigation. Objective: This study characterises the pharmacognostical and phytochemical profile of A. hexapetalus leaves and evaluates their in vitro clot-lysing activity. Methods: Authenticated fresh leaves were subjected to macroscopic, microscopic and quantitative microscopic examination, followed by determination of physicochemical constants. A hydroalcoholic extract (HAEAH) was prepared, screened for major phytoconstituents, and tested for thrombolytic activity using a clot lysis assay, with streptokinase and 0.9% saline serving as positive and negative controls, respectively. Results: The leaves displayed reproducible diagnostic macro- and microscopic features, and the hydroalcoholic extract (12.03% w/w yield) tested positive for alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids and phenolic compounds. HAEAH produced a concentration-dependent rise in clot lysis, from 63.74 ± 0.73% at 5 mg/mL to 74.78 ± 0.38% at 10 mg/mL, a level comparable to that of streptokinase (69.43 ± 0.33%). Conclusion: A. hexapetalus leaves possess a distinctive pharmacognostical profile and demonstrate promising in vitro thrombolytic activity, supporting their further investigation as a candidate source of plant-derived thrombolytic agents.