Antioxidant property and polyphenols evaluation of aqueous root extract of Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Arn.

Abstract

Antioxidant activity, total phenol and flavonoids estimation of the aqueous extract of the tuberous root of Decalepis hamiltonii was evaluated by free radical scavenging activity using 2,2-diphenylpicryl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), metal chelating activity, superoxide scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and 2,2'azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid) disodium salt (ABTS•+) assay. The content of polyphenols in the extract was determined by spectrophotometrically, calculated as gallic acid and catechin equivalent. The present investigation revealed that this plant has rich source of antioxidant properties. Naturally, tuber of this plant has been traditionally used as food by the tribal communities. Hence it is inferred that this plant is not only being as food and it can also be a good source of health tonic.Key Words: Decalepis hamiltonii; free radical scavenging activity; gallic acid; catechinDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i4.10061International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(4): 71-76