Free-radical scavenging activity and bioactive secondary metabolites from various extracts of Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC. (Molluginaceae) roots, stems and leaves

Abstract

To evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity of Glinus oppositifolius (G. oppositifolius) and to determine the presence of phytochemical constituents in ethanol, methanol and chloroform extracts of the roots, stems and leaves of G. oppositifolius. The extracts were examined for antioxidant property by free–radical [2,2–diphenyl–1–picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)] scavenging activity and screened for the presence of bioactive phytochemical constituents, i.e. alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, sterols, tannins, and terpenes. The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were quantified by Folin–Ciocalteu method and aluminum chloride method, respectively. The results showed that all the plant parts, i.e. roots, stems and leaves, exhibited free–radical scavenging activity which can be attributed to the presence of phytochemical constituents in the various extracts. The root chloroformic extract had the highest DPPH inhibition activity which was 70% relative to gallic acid, followed by the root methanolic and ethanolic extracts exhibiting 37% and 28% DPPH inhibition activity, respectively. This paper has reported for the first time the antioxidant activity of the different parts of G. oppositifolius, i.e. roots and stems. The results demonstrate great potential of the plant as a new source of food supplements, drug components and other materials or ingredients for health and wellness.