Phytochemical Evaluation and Antioxidant Properties of Three Medicinal Plants Extracts

Objective: Medicinal plant over the years has been used to treat many diseases such as Diabetic, cancer, tumour, ulcers and bacterial. This study aimed at conducting the phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant activities of the stembark extracts of selected medicinal plants (Leptadenia hastata, Barringtonia asiatica and Barringtonia racemosa). Material and Methods: All the plants were extracted by solvent maceration extraction methods. The Phytochemical analysis for alkaloids, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, steroids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, essential oils, saponins and resins by using the standard methods. The in vitro antioxidant property was evaluated by assessing the DPPH˙ radical scavenging ability. Results: The preliminary Phytochemical evaluation of these plant species exhibited that the Dichloromethane extracts of Leptadenia hastata, Barringtonia asiatica and Barringtonia racemosa (Stem-bark) contain alkaloids, Sterols, Phenols, Flavonoids, Essential oil, Tannins, Terpenoid, Carbon hydrate, Cardiac glycosides, Saponins, Proathocyanidins, Coumarins, with Sterol and essential oil absent in the Leptadenia hastata and Coumarin in the Barringtonia asiatica and Barringtonia racemosa. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the species of Leptadenia hastata, Barringtonia asiatica and Barringtonia racemosa from five solvent extract of stem-barks have prominent antioxidant activities. Conclusion: This study suggests the potential source of natural antioxidant in Leptadenia hastata, Barringtonia asiatica and Barringtonia racemosa. Further research is highly recommended on the isolation of the bioactive compounds from these species and also to understand their mode of action in controlling various dreadful diseases.