Phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant activity of Parkia speciosa

Abstract

Aim: The present research work was performed to evaluate the antioxidant potential and antiradical property of methanolic extract of pods of Parkia speciosa. Materials and Methods: In the present studies, quantitative estimation of flavonoids content and phenolic content was also carried out by colorimetric methods, using aluminum chloride and Folin–Ciocalteu reagent method, respectively, to establish a relationship between antioxidant activity and total phenolics and flavonoid contents. Antioxidant and radical scavenging activity were determined using different in vitro assays including reducing power assay and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl free radical scavenging assay method. Results and Discussion: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed that the extract of P. speciosa possesses flavonoids, alkaloids and phenolic materials. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found to be 14.16 ± 0.02 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight and 5.28 ± 0.03 mg rutin equivalents/g dry weight, respectively. The extract showed significant antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner in both the assays. The IC50 values of all parameters were determined. Ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene were used as a standard. Conclusion: The results obtained in the present study indicated that P. speciosa pod methanolic extract could be a potential source of natural antioxidant.