Abstract

Objective: To study the phytochemical class and its antioxidant activity of various extractions of Strychnos minor (S. minor), a rare endemic medicinal plant of South India. Methods: Leaves of S. minor were collected from Agasthiyar Malai hills of South India and shade dried. Different solvent extractions were made for the preliminary screening of phytochemicals and their total flavonoids and polyphenols levels were quantified using standard procedures. Finally, the extracts were studied for their antioxidant potential by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and chelating effects on ferrous ions. Results: Phytochemical screening of the plant shows the presence of various biochemicals like alkaloid, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids and resins and absence of phlobatannins. Flavanoids were high with water extracts (6.1 4 mg/g) and showed high 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (77.25%) whereas total polyphenols was high with methanol extraction (12.12 mg/g). Ethylacetae extract showed poor flavanoid and polyphenol content which reflected their low antioxidant potential when compared to other extracts. Conclusions: The present study confirms the presence of various phytochemicals which shows good antioxidant potential of S. minor. This work will be helpful to explore the biochemical profile and active compound identification in the field of pharmaceutical research.

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