In vitro antioxidant activity of Elaeocarpus tectorius (Lour.) Poir – an Indian medicinal plant

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate bioactive phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of Elaeocarpus tectorius (Lour.) Poir leaf extract. The antioxidant properties were evaluated by four antioxidant methods, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate assay, hydroxyl radical (HO%) scavenging assay, superoxide anion (O2%) radical scavenging assay, and nitric oxide (NO%) scavenging assay. The free radical scavenging activity of hydroethanolic extract of E. tectorius was found to be high for DPPH, nitric oxide, superoxide, and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. The content of total phenols, flavonoids, and tannins was also high in the hydroethanolic extract. The antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content were shown to be significantly related, indicating that phenolic chemicals are the primary contributors to plants' antioxidant capabilities. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the hydroethanolic leaf extract of E. tectorius could serve as a potential source of antioxidants and can be explored as a therapeutic agent in free radical-induced diseases.