Preliminary phytochemical analysis and DPPH free radical scavenging activity of Trewia nudiflora Linn. roots and leaves.

ABSTRACT

Oxidative stress is one of the major causative factors of many chronic and degenerative diseases. Plants have been used in traditional medicine in different parts of world for thousands of years and continue to provide new remedies for human kind. The present study was to investigate the preliminary phytochemical analysis of various extracts of roots and leaves of Trewia nudiflora (Euphorbiaceae) and antioxidant activity by 1,1,diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method. The preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of several phytochemicals including alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, phenolic compounds and tannins. The ethanol and aqueous extracts of roots and leaves of Trewia nudiflora showed significant antioxidant activity compared to standard drug ascorbic acid.