Ethnobotanical Study on Flowering Plants Along with Phytochemicals and Antioxidants Analysis on Selected Plumeria Species

Abstract

Even though ethnobotanical flowering plants were traditionally used for treatment and to maintain health, scientific study is still lacking in literature. Therefore, the aim of this study is to link the traditional application of the most commonly used ethnobotanical flowering plants with scientific evidences. Eleven types of different flowers had been identified among local medicinal practitioners for this purpose. Based on the semi-structured interview, the Plumeria rubra and Plumeria obtusa were 100% used by respondents. The phytochemicals analysis was conducted toward P. obtusa and P. rubra by using Preliminary Qualitative Phytochemicals Screening. The presence of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and phenolic compounds were detected on the qualitative screening toward both species. These compounds have a role in antimicrobial and antioxidants activities. For antioxidant test, DPPH scavenging activity is used on five different concentrations of both species ranging from 0.01 to 100 mg/ml. It was found that at the higher concentration of extract, the DPPH scavenging activity is increased. In short, both Plumeria species are rich with secondary metabolites and has a potential to be used for antioxidant treatment.