Antioxidant Activity of Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urban: Impact of Extraction Solvent Polarity

Abstract

In vitro antioxidant activity of Centella asiatica (Linn.) and the impact of extraction solvent polarity on the antioxidant potential were investigated in the present study. 100% ethanol, 50% ethanol and water were chosen as extraction solvent due to arithmetic progression of their polarity. Total polyphenol, flavonoid, I²-carotene, tannin and vitamin C content of three extracts were estimated while antioxidant potential was assayed by total reducing power assay and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-scavenging activity. 50% ethanol extract of C. asiatica contain significantly higher amount of polyphenol, flavonoid while moderate amount of carotene and tannin but lowest vitamin C compared to 100% ethanol and water extract. All the phytochemicals showed solvent polarity specific extraction pattern. Total reducing power and DPPH-radical scavenging activity of 50% ethanol extract were significantly higher compared to 100% ethanol and water extract. Significant variation of antioxidant potential of C. asiatica due to extraction solvent polarity difference was demonstrated from this study.