Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical assessment and antioxidant activity of selected green leafy vegetables of Assam

Abstract

Plant foods contain many bioactive compounds in addition to those which are traditionally considered as nutrients, also known as phytochemicals. North-East India is blessed with varying climates and natural surroundings and home of numerous herbs and medicinal plants. Present study was conducted to assess phytochemical and antioxidant activity of 12 commonly grown plants of Assam. Preliminary phytochemical screening reveal that Chenopodium album, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Phyllanthus amarus, Polygonum microcephalum and Pogostemon benghalensis showed positive results for the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponin, tannin and glycosides. Quantitative assessment revealed that these plants are rich in phenols and flavonoids. The DPPH free radical scavenging activities (% inhibition) of the selected green leafy vegetables were in the range of 18.64-69.34%. Hibiscus sabdariffa was having the highest inhibition percentage (69.34%) whereas Spinacia oleracea having the lowest value (18.64%). Amaranthus spinosus (62.64%), Chenopodium album (61.04%), Diplazium esculentum (58.43%) and Pogostemon benghalensis (64.27%) also showed higher DPPH free radical scavenging activities.