Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Young and Mature Mango (Mangifera indica) and Avocado (Persea americana) Leaves Extracts

Polyphenols are groups of secondary metabolites in plants, known with their various biological activities, including their ability to act as antioxidants. Due to the side effects of the use of synthetic antioxidants on human's health, the search for natural less toxic compounds has significantly increased. This study was carried out to evaluate the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of young and mature avocado (Persea americana) and mango leaves (Mangifera indica). Different extracts were prepared by maceration in methanol, ethanol, cold and hot water. The phenolic content of the extracts was determined using the Folic-Ciocalteu Method. A total of three antioxidant tests were done on the extracts: the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl test (DPPH test), the Ferric reducing antioxidant power and the Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Results of these investigations showed that the mature mango leaves and young avocado leaves exhibited the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents. They were also very efficient as antioxidants in reducing the ferric ions and in scavenging the DPPH and hydroxyl radicals. Practical Applications Matured mango leaves and young avocado leaves are rich in polyphenols and have good antioxidant activity. They can be used as natural sources of antioxidants for the reduction of the damages caused by free radicals and reactive oxygen species in the body and some foods such as oils and foods containing lipids that easily oxidize.