Phytochemical analysis and assessment of in vitro antioxidant properties of different plants

Abstract

The Indian system of medicine such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy rely on plant based crude materials and their formulations. Plants produce wide array of bioactive principles and constitute a rich source of medicines. To investigate the phytochemical analysis and antioxidant properties of Brassica oleracea (flouresece), Terminalia chebula (fruits), Terminalia belerica (fruits), Phyllanthus emblica (fruits) Abutilon indicum (stems and leaves) and Swertia chirata (stems). The aqueous as well as ethanolic extracts of these selected plants materials were studied qualitatively for the presence of different phytochemicals i.e. Alkaloids, Phenolic compound, Protein, Saponins, carbohydrate and glycosides. These extracts were also studied for antioxidant property with Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay, Ascorbate - Iron (III) - Catalyzed Phospholipid Peroxidation method, Total flavonoid content, Total phenol content and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay. In vitro qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of these selected plant materials revealed potent antioxidant activity in ethanolic extracts of both Terminalia belerica and Terminalia chebula among all 14 extracts screened. The study recommends strongly using more than one method due to difference between the tests systems investigated.