Phytochemical Screening and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Cinnamomum tamala Leaf Extract

Abstract

Traditional plant-based medicines are still needed by the whole world for their primary healthcare benefits. The phytochemicals or plant extract could be used to treat different diseases and new formulation for the drug discovery in pharmaceuticals. Cinnamomum tamala is commonly called as Indian bay leaf or Tejpatta. The leaves and bark of Cinnamomum tamala are used to cure various diseases due to its various properties including astringent, stimulant and carminative. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the comparative phytochemical screening and free radical scavenging activity of the leaf of Cinnamomum tamala. To achieve this, extract was prepared in three solvents (ethanol, ethanol, aqueous and chloroform). Phytochemical screening (qualitative and quantitative) was evaluated in all the three fractions to compare the solubility of various bioactive components. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, flavones and flavonols, tannins, carbohydrates, amino acids and proteins, saponins and glycosides in leaves of Cinnamomum tamala. Quantitative analysis showed that the total polyphenolic content, total flavonoids content, total alkaloids and total flavones and flavonols content in the hydroalcoholic extract was 48.1 mg GA (gallic acid)/g, 22.1 mg QE (Quercetin)/g, 59.9 mg/g and 1.75 mg RE (Rutin)/g, respectively. DPPH free radical assay revealed that Cinnamomum tamala hydroalcoholic leaf extract at a 100 µm/ml concentration showed 96.99± 0.99% inhibition activity. It can be concluded that most of the bioactive components are found soluble in hydroalcoholic solvent. Cinnamomum tamala hydroalcoholic leaf extract contains various bioactive and also exhibits significant free radical scavenging activity. Hence, it can be used as an alternative remedy for the treatment of various diseases.