Abstract

Moringa concanensis, Nimmo. (Moringaceae) tree commonly known as Horseradish tree, Drumstick tree, Never Die tree, West Indian Ben tree, and Radish tree. Moringaceae tree is native through the sub- Himalayan tracts of India. Moringa concanensis, Nimmo. is widely used in India, since the Ayurveda and Unani medicinal systems use it for the treatment of several ailments. The antioxidative properties and total phenolic contents of methanol and acetone root bark extracts of M. concanensis were analyzed. Total phenolic content of methanol and acetone extract of 16.78 mg/g and 13.45 mg/g extract. Antioxidant capacities were examined by different chemical assays including, free radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS), reducing power, metal chelating, inhibition of bleaching, nitric oxide, superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. In general, the methanol extract were the most potent antioxidant suppliers and free radical scavengers. The present studies may be of importance in varietal improvement, nutraceutical and bio-pharmaceuticals as possible sources of cost-effective natural antioxidants.

Keywords

Antioxidant activity, M. concanensis, Free radical scavenging activity, Phenolics, Food composition

Received on 19/02/2016, Accepted on 29/03/2016, Published on 20/03/2016