UHPLC analysis and in vitro biological activities of Areca triandra Roxb. ex Buch.-Ham.: a substitute of areca nut

Abstract

Areca triandra Roxb. ex Buch.-Ham. (Arecaceae) distributed in Assam, North Bengal plains, Meghalaya andaman and Nicobar Islands is used as a substitute for A. catechu L. (Areca Nut). A. catechu is widely used as masticator in South Asia. The present study was conducted to find out the phenolic acids present in A. triandra and potential of it in inhibiting the reactive oxygen species (ROS). Plant extracts obtained from leaf and nut were analyzed qualitatively, quantitatively and phenolic acids were identified and quantified using reverse phase chromatography method developed on through Hypersil Gold aQ C18 column in Thermo Scientific Dionex Ultimate 3000 UHPLC. Three antioxidant assays viz. DPPH, ABTS and reducing power assay were performed to assess the potential of A. triandra as an antioxidant. Antifungal susceptibility test was performed by Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) recommended broth microdilution assay and disk diffusion susceptibility assay using Tinidazole as standard. Total catechin content was 19.51% of total phenolic content in NME. The antioxidant property was observed in NME only for DPPH, ABTS and RPA assays. In antifungal activity, minimum effective concentration (MEC) was observed in NME at the concentration of 1.0mg/ml and above whereas in LME, no MEC was observed up to tested concentrations. A. triandra possesses high catechin content and has promising potential as an antioxidant agent.