Phytochemical Screening and Analysis of Antioxidant Activity of Crateva unilocularis Buch.-Ham. Leaf

Author(s)

Pandey, K. H., Khadka, P., Thapa, S. K., Panta, S.

Author's Affiliation

Abstract

Crateva unilocularis (Capparaceae) is commonly known as siplegan in Nepal. It is a widely used medicinal plant distributed throughout Nepal at an altitude of 100 - 1800 meters. In the present study preliminary phytochemical screening and in-vitro antioxidant property of hexane, chloroform and methanol soluble fraction of leaf extract was investigated. Phytochemical screening of methanolic fraction showed the presence of carbohydrates, saponins, flavonoids, phytosterols, fixed oils, fats and phenols. The hexane fraction showed the presence of fewer active ingredients when compared with the other fractions. Carbohydrates, fixed fats, oils and phenols are present only in methanol soluble fraction. Alkaloids, resins, flavonoids, protein and amino acids are absent in methanol soluble fraction. The methanolic fraction showed the presence of more phytochemicals when compared to the hexane and chloroform soluble fractions. Among all three fractions, hexane soluble fraction had the least number of phytochemicals. The reason behind this was due to the ability of methanol to extract both polar and non-polar phytochemicals whereas hexane can only extract non polar phytochemicals. The antioxidant sensitivity test showed that the hexane, chloroform and methanolic fractions showed antioxidant activity in concentration dependent manner. Methanolic fraction showed up to 92% inhibition of DPPH free radical at 517 nm at high concentration of 1 mg/ml. The presence of strong antioxidant activity of chloroform and methanolic fractions of C. unilocularis can be a great scope for further studies on this plant regarding its antioxidant potentials

Keywords

Crateva unilocularis, Antioxidant activity, DPPH assay, Phytochemical screening

Cite This Article

Pandey, K. H., Khadka, P., Thapa, S. K., Panta, S. (2013). Phytochemical Screening and Analysis of Antioxidant Activity of Crateva unilocularis Buch.-Ham. Leaf. International Journal for Pharmaceutical Research Scholars (IJPRS), 2(4), 123-130.