Abstract
The present study was aimed to determine the phytochemicals constituents of Salix mucronata Thunb. leaf extracts and their antioxidant activities. Dried leaf powders were extracted with MeOH, MeOH (85%), MeOH (70%) and distilled water. The different extracts were monitored for phytochemical screening. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride assays. The antioxidant potential of tested extracts was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays. The results showed that, MeOH (85%) extract exhibited high total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC=131.39±2.49 mgGAE /g ext. and TFC= 67.69±1.47 mg RE /g ext.). Also, MeOH (85%) extract showed high antioxidant activities (DPPH SC50= 98.76±0.46 (µg/ml), ABTS= 45.83±0.32 mm Trolox® eq. /100 gm extract and TAC= 199.18±2.19 mg equivalent of ascorbic acid /g ext.). On other hand, EtOAc fraction derived from MeOH (85%) extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity; DPPH SC50= 50.19±0.24 (µg/ml), ABTS= 76.22±1.61 (mm Trolox® eq. /100 gm ext.) and TAC= 249.86±3.74 (mg equivalent of ascorbic acid /g ext.). This study demonstrated that, S. mucronata leaf is a good source of natural antioxidants. Also, there is a high correlation between the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity.
Highlights
Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) such as hydroxyl radical (OH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), peroxynitrite (ONOO-), nitric oxide (NO) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) are highly reactive oxidants produced naturally in the human body through normal metabolic pathways or due to the exposure to external stimuli such as ionizing radiations, pollution, stress or even poor diet (Apak et al, 2013)
The results exhibited that MeOH (85 %) extract have high phenolic and flavonoid contents, so this extract was defatted with petroleum ether and successively fractionated with different organic solvents CHCl3, EtOAc and nBuOH
EtOAc and n-BuOH fractions derived from MeOH (85%) extract in table 3 exhibited the highest total phenolic contents (259.46±2.23 and162.99±3.91 mg GAE/g ext.) respectively.CHCl3fraction had moderate content of phenolics (95.74±2.23 mg GAE/g ext.) whereas, the residue fraction showed the lowest phenolic content (66.34±0.64 mg GAE/g ext.)
Summary
Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) such as hydroxyl radical (OH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), peroxynitrite (ONOO-), nitric oxide (NO) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) are highly reactive oxidants produced naturally in the human body through normal metabolic pathways or due to the exposure to external stimuli such as ionizing radiations, pollution, stress or even poor diet (Apak et al, 2013). Salix safsaf or Salix subserrata) is widely distributed along Nile Riverin Egypt (Al Sherif et al, 2009).Many studies revealed that, Salix species contain many phytochemical constituents such as salicin (natural aspirin), flavonoids, terpenoids, lignans and phenolic acids Most of these compounds showed biological and pharmacological effects. The isolated compounds from Salix genus such as salicin and salicylic acid are used for the treatment of fever, pain, and inflammation (Kim et al, 2015)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
