Antioxidative properties of Canna edulis Ker-Gawl.

Abstract

Canna edulis Ker- Gawl., found in the sub-Himalayan region contains starchy rhizome having economic importance in terms of food and herbal medicine. Correlation of phytochemical characteristics and antioxidative properties have been studied in hot and cold extracts of C. edulis rhizome. Antioxidants, BHT, quercetin, gallic acid and ascorbic acid equivalents have been determined using spectrophotometer. Hydrogen peroxide scavenging ability and reducing power properties have been used to define in vitro radical scavenging activity of both extracts. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were highest in hot extract (42.71 mg GAE/g and 21.92 mg QE/g) than cold extract (33.7 mg GAE/g and 15.12 mg QE/g). IC50 value of DPPH and H 2O2 were also observed to be higher in hot extract. The electron donation ability (EDA) of the hot extract (500 µg/ml) demonstrated stronger activity than cold extract (400 µg/ml). Further evaluation of free radicals was done by determining the specific Rf value of bioactive components through TLC. Thus the hot rhizome extract of C. edulis exerts more effective antioxidant property as compared to cold extract.