Bioactivity of the phytoconstituents of the leaves of Persea americana

Abstract

Isolation of the bioactive phytoconstituents of the leaves of Persea americana(Lauraceae), yielded, isorhamnetin (1), luteolin (2), rutin (3), quercetin (4) and apigenin (5). Compound 1 has been fully characterized. Compounds were evaluated for their ability to scavenge free radical using DPPH· and H2O2systems. The IC50 (mg/ml) of quercetin was 4.82 x 10-5; rutin, 1.37 x 10-4; luteolin, 3.34 x 10-4 and isorhamnetin, 4.41 x 10-4. H2O2 scavenging activity of the compounds was quercetin > rutin > isorhamnetin > luteolin > apigenin > BHA (p > 0.05). From this study it could be concluded that the leaves of P. americanacontain antioxidant activity which may be helpful in preventing the progress of various oxidative stress related diseases.   Key words: Persea americana, Lauraceae, flavonols, antioxidant activity, oxidative stress, radical scavenging.