Phytochemical and antioxidant studies of some green leafy vegetables consumed in Yemen as salad

Abstract

In present study four green leafy vegetables which widely consumed in diet as salad in Yemen have been evaluated for antioxidative constituents and free radical scavenging activities. Phytochemical screening of 70% methanol leaf extracts of Eruca sativa, Lactuca sativa L, Raphanus sativus and Allium porrum was showed present carbohydrates, steroids, triterpenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids and alkaloids. All these extracts exhibited antioxidant activity in rapid screening by dot-blot assay and TLC analysis with DPPH. Free radical scavenging activities were ranged from 32.23±4.18% for Allium porrum to 91.33±4.01% for Lactuca sativa. Results of this study may confirm the nutrients, pharmacological properties and explain partially the uses of selected green leafy vegetables in prevention of many illnesses.