Phytochemical Investigation and Evaluation of In-Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Butea Monosperma Leaves

Introduction: From ancient times people relied on herbal medicines for the treatment of various chronic and acute diseases. Advancement in Chemistry and Biology has enabled research to know how natural substances interact with human body and find new compounds for treatment of various diseases. Free radicals cause several diseases including cancer, neurodenerative disorders and inflammatory conditions [4][5]. Objective: The aims of my research work to find a herbal source of antioxidants which can replace artificial antioxidants. Materials and Methods: Butea Monosoerma leaves extraction is done by Soxhlet Extraction using hydroethanolic solvent (30:70). Phytochemical investigation is done for alkaloids, triterpenoids, tannins, phenols, flavonoids and glycosides. After quantitative estimation of phenol was done by Folin–Ciocalteu method using gallic acid as standard and for flavonoids it was done by colorimetric method using rutin as standard. Their in-vitro antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH, H2O2, NITRIC OXIDE standard antioxidants. Results and discussion: Phytochemical investigation revealed that Butea Monosoerma leaves contain alkaloids, tannins, phenols and flavonoids. The total phenolic content of hydroethanolic extract of Butea Monosperma (HEEBM) was 80.67mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of extract. The total flavonoid content was 83.547mg rutin equivalent/g of extract. The extract significantly inhibited NO production, shows DPPH radical scavenging and also hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. Conclusion: The HEEBM leaves exhibited significant antioxidant activity as indicated by its high phenolic and flavonoid content and strong free radical scavenging potential. It can be used as a herbal antioxidant after further studies for isolation and characterization of active compounds.