Free radical scavenging activity and phenolic content of Cassia sophera L.

Abstract

Dried methanol extract of leaves of Cassia sophera L. was dissolved in distilled water, and then fractioned by re-extracting with n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate, subsequently. The free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) of methanol extract and various fractions of methanol extract was determined by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The FRSA of ethyl acetate fraction was superior to all other fractions (IC50 = 15.42 g/ml), which was higher than synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole, BHA (18.25 µg/ml). The amount of total phenolic compounds was further determined. The total phenolic content in EtOAc fraction (13.25%) was the highest as compared to other extracts. The results of this study suggest that this plant could serve as a source of natural antioxidants and preservative agents with potential applications in food industries.