Quantification of phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant potential of various solvent extracts of certain species of Acanthaceae

Abstract

Background: Scientific evaluation of traditional knowledge is essential to obtain effective drugs for commercial purposes. The present study is guide to the invention of new antioxidant sources from the Acanthaceae members. Aim: Quantification of certain secondary metabolites and in vitro antioxidant activities of alcoholic and aqueous leaf extracts of Nilgirianthus heyneanus and Peristrophe bicalyculata. Materials and Methods: Both the leaf extracts were tested for various phytochemical constituents such as phenols, tannins, condensed tannins, flavonoids, vitamin C and saponin contents. The extracts were further screened for different antioxidant assays such as reducing power, DPPH▪, nitric oxide, metal chelating, ABTS▪+ scavenging activity, lipid peroxidation preventive property and anti‑haemolytic activities. Results: Acetone fractions of Nilgirianthus heyneanus leaf registered significantly high amount of secondary metabolites and also it effectively scavenged the free radicals in a concentration dependent manner than Peristrophe bicalyculata leaf extracts. Results were compared with standard antioxidants such as rutin, quercetin, BHA and BHT. Conclusions: This study further confirmed the traditional use of N. heyneanus and P. bicalyculata as a natural source of antioxidants and prevents free radical‑induced life‑threatening diseases. Key words: In vitro antioxidant activity, Nilgirianthus heyneanus, Peristrophe bicalyculata, quantitative estimations