Antioxidant activity and phytochemical evaluations of selected medicinal plants

• Main Author: Juan-Badaturuge, Malindra
• Published: University of Greenwich 2010
• Subjects: 615.321; QK Botany
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.516847

The methanolic crude extract of aerial parts of the plant Scrophularia nodosa was shown to have potent DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 48.75 ± 7.00 μg/ml). Activity-guided fractionation resulted in the isolation of three principal antioxidant compounds; acteoside, angoroside C and angoroside A. Acteoside (yield = 1.21%, IC50 = 15.2 μM) appeared to be the most abundant and most antioxidant-active. The potent antioxidant activity is in support of the traditional use of the plant for wound healing and anti-inflammatory conditions. The methanolic extract of aerial parts of Tanacetum vulgare has potent DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 37.00 ± 1.20 μg/ml). Activity-guided fractionation on the methanolic extract of T. vulgare resulted in the isolation of 3,5-di-caffeoylquinic acid (3,5-DCQA), axillarin and luteolin. 3,5-DCQA appeared to be the most abundant and most antioxidant-active compound (yield = 7.28%, IC50 = 9.7 μM). The potent antioxidant activity is in support of the traditional use of the herb for fever, rheumatic conditions and anti-inflammatory conditions. The methanolic crude extract of Cassia auriculata and its fractions were shown to have potent scavenging activity on DPPH, hydroxyl and hydroperoxide radicals, moderate superoxide radical scavenging activity and potent ion(III) reducing power. The activity-directed studies resulted in the isolation of kaempferol-3-0-β-D-rutinoside, kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin and unknown antioxidant inactive compound. The previously reported pharmacological aspects of the above flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides (anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, hyperglycaemic, antidiabetic) along with the shown antioxidant behaviour explain the traditional medicinal values of the plant. Cassia alata L crude extract and its fractions showed potent radical scavenging activity against formation of lipid peroxide radicals. The activity directed isolations resulted in the isolation of kaempferol along with p-hydroxybenzoic acid. These may contribute towards the traditional medicinal values of the plant as an antidiabetic, anti-microbial and for skin diseases.