Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant potential of Albizia lebbeck (L.) seeds

Abstract

The plant Albizia lebbeck (L.) belongs to family Fabaceae, subfamily-Mimosaceae. They have historically been used to treat a variety of ailments, including asthma, arthritis, inflammatory conditions, infertility, diarrhea, dysentery, tuberculosis, leprosy, paralysis, and helminth infections. The purpose of study was to investigate the phytochemicals and antioxidant potential of A. lebbeck seeds. The proximate composition of seeds, i.e., moisture, ash, crude fat, crude fiber, crude protein and total carbohydrates were estimated as per cent w/w. The quantitative mineral analysis revealed that the seeds had iron, zinc, manganese and copper content. The phytochemical analysis of seeds was carried out using methanol, aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts. The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging method and phosphomolybdenum assay. The antioxidant potential of seed extract was compared with standard ascorbic acid. Therefore, these findings indicated that A. lebbeck seeds are rich source of phytochemicals and minerals which could be exploited for both pharmacological and health benefits.