Preliminary phytochemical investigation and antioxidant activity of leaves of two wild edible herbs vs. conventional green herbs.

摘要

The use of plant products in curing and healing of human population is increasing due to growing stress and pollution. Present study reports phytochemical screening and the free radical scavenging activity of crude extracts of Cassia tora and Cassia sophera (fam: Caesalpinaceae). Leaf extracts were prepared with different solvents and tested for the presence of primary and secondary metabolites which are pharmacologically active compounds. Acetone and Aqueous extracts revealed the presence of more constituents including glycosides, phenols, flavonoids alkaloids etc. As antioxidants in food play a vital role as health protecting factors, these edible herbs were tested for their antioxidant capacity and compared with that of various green herbs routinely used in Indian kitchen. Methanolic extracts of leaves of Cassia tora and Cassia sophera were examined along with leaf extracts of mint, curry leaves, coriander leaves, spring onions, Alternanthera sessilis, and spinach. DPPH {2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl} assay was carried out to evaluate free radical scavenging capacity. Though all the plant extracts exhibited antioxidant potential, mint extract showed highest and Spinach showed lowest. Both the wild herbs used exhibited good antioxidant activity on par with most green herbs under investigation. Thus young leaves of C. tora and C. sophera can be regularly used as good source of dietary antioxidants.