Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of<i>Ficus benghalensis</i>(Moraceae) Leaf Extract

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of the Ficus benghalensis (F. benghalensis) by in vitro methods. Methanolic extract of F. benghalensis leaves was evaluated for the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, phenolic compounds, oil and fats, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins by using standard protocols. Antioxidant activity of the extract was screened by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, total antioxidant assay, iron chelating assay and reducing power assay. Cytotoxic activity of the extract was tested by brine shrimp lethality assay. Estimation of total phenolic content was performed by Folin-Ciocalteau reagent method and estimation of total flavonoid content was performed by aluminium chloride method. Chromatographic detection of polyphenolic compounds was estimated by High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). F. benghalensis showed the presence of carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, oil and fats, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins and tannins as major phytochemical groups. The extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity in all methods performed. The extract also found to exhibit significant cytotoxic activity towards brine shrimp larvae. Extract exhibited significant amount of polyphenolic compounds which were further characterized by HPTLC which showed the presence of six bands of polyphenolic compounds. Further analysis of extract with HPLC showed the presence of Gallic acid, Rhein, Anthraquinone, Gallocatechin, Theaflavin-3, 3'-digallate and Flavone. The results of the present study emphasize that the methanolic extract of F. benghalensis is a good source of antioxidant compound and can be used in the field of therapeutics.