TITLE:
Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Activity Determination on Crude Extracts of Melodinus eugeniifolus Barks and Leaves from Malaysia
AUTHORS:
Yao Lu, Teng-Jin Knoo, Christophe Wiart
KEYWORDS:
Antioxidant Activity, DPPH Assay, FRAP Assay, β-Carotene Bleaching Assay, Phytochemical Analysis, Apocynaceae, Melodinus eugeniifolus
JOURNAL NAME:
Pharmacology & Pharmacy,
Vol.5 No.8,
July
3,
2014
ABSTRACT: Six different
extracts of Melodinus
eugeniifolus (a very rare medical plant belonging to
Apocynaceae) leaves and barks were screened for their
phytochemical composition, and free radical scavenging activities. Three
different methods were used to test the antioxidant activity for extracts which
include FRAP assay (Ferric reducing antioxidant potential), DPPH radical
scavenging assay (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl
hydrazyl radical reducing power methods), and β-carotene bleaching
assay.
Among the different extracts tested, the ethanol extract of barks showed
significant radical scavenging activities. Phytochemical analysis of the
extracts revealed that the radical scavenging activities are mainly due to the
presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, sterols,
steroids and flavonoids. The results obtained suggest that Melodinus
eugeniifolus could be exploited
in the management of various diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases and
infection diseases. Highlights: Melodinus eugeniifolus, a very rare medical plant from South Asian
rain forest which may be a potential drug for many diseases is first reported about
its phytochemical characteristics and antioxidant activity by different
methods.