ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, TOTAL PHENOLIC AND TOTAL FLAVONOID CONTENTS OF WHOLE PLANT EXTRACTS TORILIS LEPTOPHYLLA L

The study investigates the antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) of whole plant extracts of Torilis leptophylla L., a medicinal plant with potential therapeutic benefits. Extracts were prepared using various solvents to maximize the extraction of bioactive compounds. The antioxidant activity was assessed using standard assays such as DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP. The TPC and TFC were quantified using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. Results demonstrated significant antioxidant activity across all extracts, with ethanol extracts exhibiting the highest potency. The TPC and TFC analyses revealed a strong correlation between phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacity. These findings highlight Torilis leptophylla L. as a promising source of natural antioxidants, supporting its potential use in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Further studies are recommended to isolate and characterize individual phenolic and flavonoid compounds responsible for the observed activities. This research explores the antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) of whole plant extracts from Torilis leptophylla L., an underutilized medicinal plant known for its health benefits. The study involved the extraction of bioactive compounds using solvents such as ethanol, methanol, and aqueous solutions to determine the most effective extraction method. Antioxidant activities were evaluated through multiple assays, including DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power). The TPC and TFC were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and aluminum chloride colorimetric method, respectively. The results revealed that ethanol extracts displayed the highest antioxidant activity, with significant free radical scavenging abilities and reducing power. The TPC and TFC analyses indicated a robust correlation between phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacity, suggesting that these compounds are major contributors to the plant's antioxidant properties. Specifically, the ethanol extract showed the highest phenolic and flavonoid concentrations, correlating with its superior antioxidant performance. These findings position Torilis leptophylla L. as a potent source of natural antioxidants, underscoring its potential for development into pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.