Antioxidant capacity in vitro of leaves and flowers extracts of Spathodea campanulata

Background Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are reactive molecules and free radicals produced in normal essential metabolic processes (endogenous sources) or due to external sources (e. g., ultraviolet, ionizing radiation, environmental toxins). Antioxidants are molecules that can donate an electron to a free radical without making themselves unstable; this causes the free radical to stabilize and become less reactive and prevent and repair damage caused by ROS/RNS. Plant phenolic compounds that share one or more phenol groups are the leading secondary plant metabolites with antioxidant properties. In this group, flavonoids are especially effective antioxidants and free radical scavengers. Aim: To determine the antioxidant capacity in vitro of Spathodea campanulata’s leaf and flower extracts.

Material and Methods Aqueous (EAQSC), acetonic (EASC), and alcoholic extract (EOHSC) were obtained from Spathodea campanulata leaves and flowers. The total content of phenols, polyphenols, and flavonoids was quantified. The in vitro antioxidant capacity was determined using the compound DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) at different times. Results. Flower extracts contain a higher concentration of polyphenols, phenols, and flavonoids compared with leaf extracts. The highest antiradical efficiency in the leaf and flower extracts was observed in the aqueous extract, compared with the alcoholic and acetonic extract. In flower extract, the antiradical efficiency was twice that found in the leaf extract. Conclusion: Sphathodea campanulata leaf and flower extracts are found to have antioxidant activity. Flower extracts have higher antioxidant activity compared to leaf extract.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 December 2021