Phytochemical investigation and antioxidant activities of methanol extract, methanol fractions and essential oil of Dillenia suffruticosa leaves

Abstract

Oxidative stress has been known as a key factor of many disorders affecting human beings. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) attack vital biomolecules, weakening their functioning, thus exacerbating diseases. To attenuate oxidative stress-associated diseases a novel approaches of antioxidant therapies have been anticipated. Antioxidants have the potential to inhibit the propagation and formation of ROS. Dillenia suffruticosa is a medicinal plant, used by the local people for the treatment of various ailments. The study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical screening, antioxidative activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of methanol extract, fractions and essential oil of D. suffruticosa. Furthermore, the analysis of phytochemicals was done using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GCMS). The result showed the existence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, phytosterol, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids and steroids in the methanol extract and fractions of D. suffruticosa. The butanol fraction and methanol extract showed high phenolic (379.00 ± 9.25 and 277.00 ± 3.50 mg/g) and flavonoid values (74.44 ± 2.18 and 34.83 ± 0.71 mg/g) as compared to ethyl acetate, n-hexane and chloroform fractions. The scavenging capacity of butanol fraction and methanol extract was also higher than other fractions. GCMS analysis indicated the presences of various compounds in methanol extract, fractions and essential oil including methyl glycolate, lauryl acetate, phenol, 2,4-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, methyl stearate, phenol, benzyl alcohol, 3-hexen-1-ol, acetate and phytol. Thus, methanol extract, fractions and essential oil of D. suffruticosa leaves mainly contain vital phytochemical and shows good antioxidant activity.