Pharmacognostical, phytochemical and antioxidant potential of hydroalcoholic extract of lam leaves

Abstract

Medicinal plants have bioactive compounds which are used for curing of various human diseases and also play an important role in healing. Secondary constituents contain alkaloids, flavonoids, phenol, saponin, steroids and tannins. Medicinal plants have anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antidiuretic and anti- inflammation activities ect. The increasing interest in powerful biological activity of secondary metabolites outlined the necessity of determining their contents in medicinal plants. Lam () is a fast-growing and drought-resistant tree of the family. The tree is known with some common names: miracle, ben oil, drumstick, horseradish or simply moringa. Phytochemical studies of plant organs showed the plant as a rich source of primary and secondary metabolites belonging to different classes of organic compounds. Pharmacological studies confirmed the use of the plant to cure several diseases and to possess nutraceutical properties. The objective of this study was to investigate pharmacognostical, phytochemical features and antioxidant activity of hydroalcoholic extracts of leaves by using DPPH assay method. The different pharmacognostical parameters were evaluated as per standard protocols with some modifications. Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents and quantitative analysis of total phenol and flavonoids were determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. Quantitative analysis of phenolic and flavonoids was carried out by Folins Ciocalteau reagent method and aluminium chloride method respectively. The antioxidant activity of hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves was assessed against DPPH method using standard protocols.Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, amino acid and carbohydrate. The total phenolic and flavonoids content of leaves of hydroalcoholic extract was 0.864and 1.014 mg/100mg respectively. The activities of hydroalcoholic leaves extract against DPPH assay method were concentration dependent with IC values of ascorbic acid and extracts 17.68 and 79.10µg/ml respectively. The present study concluded that the crude extract of is a rich source of secondary phytoconstituents which impart significant antioxidant potential. The findings of the present study will be helpful to phytochemists, pharmacologists and pharmaceutical industries.