Phytochemical, Bioactivity Evaluation, and In Silico Docking of Ethanolic Preparation of Janosia ashoka MT in Context of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Janosia ashoka is a medicinal plant with a longstanding traditional use in India. It is prescribed in homeopathy for various forms of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), a prevalent gynecological disorder with a significant impact on women's health; however, its therapeutic components remain underexplored. We aimed to study the chemical profiling of Janosia ashoka and in silico docking of its key ligands with receptors implicated in AUB. Qualitative and quantitative analyses focused on total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity. Materials and Methods Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was conducted to identify the bioactive compounds in Janosia ashoka mother tincture, followed by in silico docking of selected constituents with progesterone and estrogen receptors (Protein Data Bank [PDB]: 1E3K and PDB: 1 × 7B). Various bioactivities were assessed in vitro. Results GC-MS analysis detected more than 60 phytochemical compounds, of which 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and 1,2,3-benzenetriol were the major components. Molecular docking demonstrated a binding affinity exceeding –5 kcal/mol of these key constituents with progesterone and estrogen receptors. Alkaloids, carbohydrates, steroids, flavonoids, and tannins were identified in Janosia ashoka . The total antioxidant concentrations were 98.72µg/mL (phosphomolybdate assay) and 178.52 µg/mL (ferric reducing antioxidant power), expressed as ascorbic acid equivalents. The total phenolic content was measured at 463.01 µg/mL in gallic acid equivalents and flavonoids 121.74 µg/mL in quercetin equivalents. Conclusion This study highlights the therapeutic potential of Janosia ashoka , in abnormal uterine bleeding.