Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of ethanolic extract of the root of Morinda citrifolia (Rubiaceae)

Abstract

The aim of this work was to estimate the total phenolic and flavonoid content, and to evaluatein-vitro antioxidant activity of ethanolic root extract of Morinda citrifolia (MCREt) which belongs to the family Rubiaceae. The raw, dry root powder was extracted with 99.9% of ethanol. Phytochemical test shows that the extract contains higher level of total phenol and flavonoids. Total phenolic compound in ethanolic root extract of M. citrifolia was found to be 92 mg/g of extract calculated as gallic acid equivalent (r2=0.9976) and total flavonoids compound was found to be 36 mg/g of extract calculated as rutin equivalent (r2=0.9985). The extract was screened for its potential antioxidant activities using tests such as hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity, reducing power activity, and hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activity. The in-vitroantioxidant assay showed that MCREt posses potent antioxidant activity when compared with reference compound butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). MCREt could be useful for preparation of neutraceuticals as potent antioxidants, to treat various human diseases and its complications.   Key words: Rubiaceae, antioxidant activity, phenol, flavonoid, reducing power activity, hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activity, Morinda citrifolia.