Preliminary phytochemical analysis, antiradical and lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity of Rubus steudneri Schweinf. (Rosaceae)

Abstract

Objectives: Free radical is a molecular species that contain an unpaired electron in an atomic orbital. Free radicals are highly reactive, capable of damaging biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acid, and lipids, and cause oxidative damage. The present study was carried out to determine antiradical and lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity of leaf extract of Rubus steudneri Schweinf. belonging to the family Rosaceae. Materials and Methods: Extraction of powdered leaf material was carried out by maceration process. Leaf extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis by standard tests. Leaf extract was screened for antiradical (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay) and lipid peroxidation inhibition activity. Total phenolic and flavonoid content was estimated by Folin–Ciocalteu reagent method and aluminum chloride colorimetric estimation method, respectively. Results: Phytochemicals, namely, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins were detected in the leaf extract. The extract was shown to scavenge DPPH and hydroxyl radicals dose dependently with IC50 value 49.99 μg/ml and 15.19 μg/ml, respectively. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation by leaf extract was also dose dependent (IC50 value 27.72 μg/ml). The content of total phenolics and flavonoids was found to be 133.51 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g of extract and 80.61 mg catechin equivalents/100 g of extract, respectively. Conclusion: The leaf extract of R. steudneri exhibited a marked concentration-dependent antiradical and lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity which can be attributed to the phenolic and flavonoid content. The plant can be used for the prevention and management of oxidative damage induced by free radicals.