Preliminary phytochemical assessment and antioxidant activity of Neptunia triquetra

Abstract

In the present study, preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out to the plant Neptunia triquetra which are commonly called as a yellow sensitive plant. This plant belongs to the Fabaceae family and Mimosaceae clade. The plant is native to India with wide distribution and well known medicinal properties. The various extracts of the leaves of the plant such as Hexane extract, Chloroform extract, Methanol extract and Aqueous extract (water) were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening for qualitative and quantitative identification of diverse phytochemicals present. The extracts were also subjected to antioxidant activity using DPPH assay and FRAP assay. The results revealed that the Neptunia triquetra is the potential source for diverse phytochemicals. The Methanol crude extract exhibited potential high antioxidant activity when compared to other extracts. As phenols and flavonoids contribute to the major medicinal properties of the plant, these two phytochemicals were analyzed quantitatively.