Abstract

S. Chandrasekar and R. Malathi*

ABSTRACT

The objective of the present study was aimed to evaluate the qualitative analysis of phytochemical constituents and free radical scavenging activity of methanol extract of Moringa concanensis leaves. Phytochemicals are responsible for medicinal activity of plants. In the present study, an attempt has been made to document the presence of phytochemicals and radical scavenging activity of the medicinal plant Moringa concanensis leaves which is used in the indigenous system of medicine for therapeutic purposes. A plant contains many phytochemicals constituents including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, carbohydrates, glycosides, amino acids and proteins. Antioxidant capacities were examined by different chemical assays including, free radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS), reducing power, metal chelating, inhibition of bleaching, nitric oxide, superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. In general, the methanol extract were the most potent antioxidant suppliers and free radical scavengers. The present studies may be of importance in varietal improvement, nutraceutical and bio-pharmaceuticals as possible sources of cost-effective natural antioxidants. The extract showed strong antioxidant capacities and free radical scavenging activity due to the presence of phytochemicals.