Quantification of secondary metabolites and anti-oxidant potential of selected members of the tribe Heliantheae

Abstract

The development of multi drug resistance organisms has become major global issue in the treatment of infectious diseases. So we have to develop new therapeutic compounds with novel action spectrum and diverse chemical structure which could work effectively against emerging pathogens. The plants Eclipta prostrata L., Wedelia chinensis, (Osbeck) Merr and Xanthium strumarium L., which belong to the tribe Heliantheae of the family Asteraceae has large amount of secondary metabolites such as phenol, flavanoids and tannin. The study revealed that due to the presence of these secondary metabolites, the plants show good anti-oxidant activity. The flavonoid content is highest that range from 22.07-27.95mg/gm than total phenol and tannin content. Thus the selected plants show therapeutic properties and can be used for the preparation of natural drugs.