Evaluation of phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity of a decoction containing Adenanthera pavonina L. and Thespesia populnea L.
Authors
Indeewari Silva
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Preethi Soysa
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Keywords:
Adenanthera pavonina and Thespesia populnea, antioxidant activity, high-performance liquid chromatography, phenolic content, traditional medicine
Abstract
A decoction prepared with barks of Adenanthera pavonina and Thespesia populnea is a herbal formulation which has been prescribed in Sri Lanka in the treatment of cancer patients for many years. This study was designed to investigate its phytochemical and antioxidant properties.
Materials and Methods:
The total phenolics and flavonoids were determined using Folin–Ciocalteau and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. Gallic acid content in the decoction was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The antioxidant properties were evaluated by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay, nitric oxide scavenging assay, deoxyribose method, and the reducing power of the decoction.
Results:
The concentration of total phenols, flavonoids, and gallic acid of the decoction were 34.13 ± 3.54 w/w % gallic acid equivalents, 41.37 ± 0.57 w/w % of (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate equivalents, and 0.58 ± 0.24 mg/g, respectively. The EC50 for DPPH, nitric oxide scavenging, and deoxyribose assays were 7.24 ± 0.50, 14.02 ± 0.66, and 53.21 ± 2.82 μg/ml, respectively. Reducing power of the decoction increased with the concentration.
Conclusion:
These investigations suggested that the decoction prepared with A. pavonina and T. populnea can be a potential source of nutraceuticals with antioxidant activity.
Keywords: Adenanthera pavonina and Thespesia populnea, antioxidant activity, high-performance liquid chromatography, phenolic content, traditional medicine
Click on "Archives" to access the full archive of scientific preprints. You may use the categories and the search functionality to find select preprints you're interested in.
