Evaluation and comparison of the leaves and stem of Argemone mexicana L. in various solvents for total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity

Abstract

The use of plant leaves and stem is a common practice in traditional medicine. The naturally available herbs are used for medicinal purpose to promote health. The leaves and stem of Argemone mexicana L. is one such herb used against different ailments. Studies on the antioxidant, phenolic and flavonoid content of the leaves and stem using various solvent extracts were; however, scarce for the Haryana region. The aim of the research was to assess the antioxidant activity, total phenolics and total flavonoids of A. mexicana leaves and stem. Using the Soxhlet apparatus, extracts were prepared using a variety of solvents, including ethyl acetate, acetone, water and methanol, based on variable polarity. Among all solvents, methanol extract had the highest concentration of total phenolics as well as total flavonoids in leaves compared to stem. A. mexicana leaves and stem displayed a wide range of DPPH free radical scavenging activity, which was higher at higher concentrations (100 mg/ml). The leaves component showed the greatest DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity with IC 50 values of 23.9 g/ml in methanol extract and stem part with IC 50 values of 26.2 g/ml in the same extract. FTIR analysis showed that the presence of phenols and flavanoids. In terms of antioxidant potency, higher amounts of total phenolics as well as total flavonoids in methanol extract of leaves and stem was shown to be the most potent antioxidant. The leaves and stem of A. mexicana have a considerable amount of flavanoids, phenolics and antioxidant activity.