Evaluation of phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities of successive solvent extracts of leaves of Indigofera caerulea Roxb using various in vitro antioxidant assay systems

Abstract

To evaluate the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities of successive solvent extracts of Indigofera caerulea Roxb using various in vitro antioxidant assay systems. Total phenol and antioxidant activity of different solvent extracts of Indigofera caerulea Roxb leaves were investigated. Extraction was done sequentially in soxhlet apparatus using various solvents (Petroleum ether, Ethyl acetate and Methanol). Antioxidant activity was evaluated by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl free radical scavenging assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, superoxide anion radical scavenging assay and Total ion reducing power assay. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were also measured. Methanolic extract had more total phenol content and more antioxidant activities, confirming to the hypothesis that phenol content and antioxidant activity has a direct correlation. All the results of the in vitro antioxidant assays revealed that the methanolic extract of Indigofera caerulea Roxb leaves had notable antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. The results obtained appeared to confirm the antioxidant and free radical scavenging potential of Indigofera caerulea Roxb.