Phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant capacity of different solvent extracts of Saussurea lappa L. roots

Abstract

In the studies phytochemical analysis, estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant potential of costus roots was evaluated. Different solvent extracts were prepared using soxhlet extractor and roots were extracted by different solvents separately. Results revealed that methanolic extract of the roots was most active among all the tested root extracts. It contains highest phenolics and flavonoid content and maximum number of phytochemicals were detected in the methanolic extract. The amount of phenols and flavonoids varied from 12.34 to 75.02 mg GAE/g and 16.2 to 67.60 mg QE/g respectively. High antioxidant activity of methanolic extract can be related to the high amount of phenols and flavonoids. Although they were less effective than ascorbic acid standard but may provide a good source for new natural antioxidants.